The Bruins have re-signed resident fighting forward Shawn Thornton to a two-year deal:
Shawn Thornton has signed a two-year, $1.625 million extension with the Bruins. In 74 games, the 32-year-old tough guy scored one goal and nine assists while recording 141 penalty minutes. Thornton, who skated on both sides of the fourth line, averaged 9:02 of ice time per game. Thornton recorded 21 fights, including his beatdown of Matt Cooke in the first Boston-Pittsburgh game following Marc Savard's concussion.
"Shawn's been a terrific soldier for us in the time that he's been here," said GM Peter Chiarelli. "He's always among the leaders in fisticuffs. I won't say fighting, because it's an art for Thorny. He knows his role. He has an offensive side that comes out, probably more two years ago than last year. I know he can provide some offense on the forecheck. Tremendous character, good in the room, wants to be in Boston. It was a good decision that we made and a relatively easy decision that we made. We're happy to have him back."
SB Nation's Stanley Cup of Chowder is very pleased with the signing, reassuring a physical presence for the Bruins for at least two more seasons:
I think this is a solid signing for the Bruins. Thornton is a veteran leader on this team and a guy that gives you more than just fights. Some might can him a "goon" but make no mistakes, Shawn Thornton is a hockey player. What he does might not show up on the scoresheet, but he is a valuable member of this team.
$812,500 per season seems in line with the current market for NHL enforcers, which was set around the $1 million mark when the Maple Leafs shelled out that sum last summer for the services of Colton Orr. If there is one type of player that I don't mind seeing getting paid, it is the tough guys. These guys earn every penny they make.
It's a good signing for the B's and I am happy to see that Thorty will be patrolling the ice at TD Garden for the next 2 years.