Results tagged “Scott Thornton” from Inside the Kings

SCOTT THORNTON

This season: 47 games, 5 goals, 3 assists, plus-1 rating

Positives: When healthy, Thornton was a responsible two-way player, capable of providing gritty play. At times, could be one of the few players with the desire to mix it up a little bit. A respected locker-room leader, Thornton never expressed frustration at his situation, which included injuries and limited ice time.

Negatives: Injuries took their toll on Thornton, along with the general complications of being a 37-year-old player. Never the fastest player, Thornton had slowed down considerably and, at his best, had become a fourth-line winger by the end.

Looking ahead: Those looking for Thornton in September will have to search bike trails. Thornton, who is a cycling enthusiast, has said he is almost certain he will retire after 17 NHL seasons.

Contract situation: Unrestricted free agent.

It's been whispered for a quite a while, but after today's game, Scott Thornton confirmed that he's strongly leaning toward retirement. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and, at age 37, he said that while he still loves playing, the daily pains and aches of being a hockey player are just becoming too much to overcome.

``It's not 100 percent,'' Thornton said about his decision to retire, ``but it's probably as close as you can get to it. I've been trying to prepare myself for it. I think that's the next step, to move on.''

Thornton got to enjoy a nice moment after the game. As the Kings skated out to give their jerseys to fans, Thornton's wife, Joelle, was there to surprise him and accept the jersey from what will probably be his last game. It's unfortunate that most fans probably weren't aware of how nice a moment it was. I was standing near the end of the Kings' bench and heard a couple people wonder aloud why that was happening.

``I had no idea she was going to be out there,'' Thornton said. ``She was kind of embarrassed. She's been with me since juniors, and after all these years she finall you made it onto the ice.''

If he is indeed done, Thornton will finish with 17 NHL seasons, 941 games, 144 goals and 141 assists.

``I wish I could have won a Cup. I had an opportunity with Dallas,'' Thornton said. ``But I have no regrets. I walk away knowing that I made a lot of life-long friends, and I stayed true to myself and stayed grounded. I think I'm the same person I was when I started.''