The Boston Bruins' dramatic offseason continued Thursday as IMG Hockey announced that they have finalized a new contract for client Joe Thornton to play with HC Davos of the Swiss Elite League for the upcoming season.
The Bruins' captain and three-time NHL All-Star is a Group II Restricted Free Agent without a contract. "I am very excited about the opportunity to play with Davos," said Thornton in a statement released by IMG. "It is a fantastic hockey environment and has a long tradition of excellence in European hockey circles."
Thornton can opt out of the European contract if the NHL resumes next season and also if he can agree to terms with an NHL club, his agent J.P. Barry said in an interview.
That club would probably be Boston, given the limited movement of restricted free agents.
HC Davos has long been recognized as one of the most top hockey franchises in Europe and competes in the Swiss Elite League. The club is also well known for its annual Spengler Cup tournament held every December.
"We are very happy for Joe. Davos is one of the premier hockey clubs to play for in Europe," said Barry. "As we are all aware – there may not be NHL Hockey next season and this agreement will allow Joe to play hockey at the highest level in a unique environment that he may otherwise not have ever experienced."
The news comes as another chapter in a topsy-turvy offseason saga for the Bruins, who have already lost core players to the summer's free agent market. Forward Mike Knuble signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as an unrestricted free agent Saturday, and defenceman Sean O'Donnell signed a three-year, $6-million deal with the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday.
Reports also indicate that forward Glen Murray appears close to signing with a new team, but the biggest story to hit the rumour mill came Sunday when the New York Post reported that Thornton wanted out of town.
General manager Mike O'Connell told the Boston Globe Wednesday that he spoke to Thornton and got no indication that he was disgruntled.
"I read the article (yesterday) morning," O'Connell told the paper. "Someone told me about it. I called Larry (Brooks) and I told him, 'I don't know where you got this,' and he said he got it from very reliable sources. But I spoke with Joe in Toronto at the awards dinner. Never did he mention anything to that effect to me. I met with his agent at the NHL draft and never was it brought up that he wanted to be traded. It's all news to me."
The Post story said Thornton, who was held pointless while playing with a rib injury in the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens, was unhappy he wasn't supported more by management.
Thornton led Boston last season with 23 goals and 50 assists in 77 games. He was also named to Canada's team for the 2004 World Cup of hockey.