Joe Thornton moves closer to a coaching position in Switzerland

Although he has yet to announce his retirement from the NHL, it would be very surprising to see Joe Thornton back in the uniform of a Bettman Tour team. As he does every summer, Thornton is currently in Switzerland, but this time he’s found something hockey-related to do.

Indeed, as reported by Swiss media outlet Suedostschweiz, the former first overall pick recently coached young players at a skills camp organized by HC Davos.

Post this publication on Instagram

A publication shared by Hockey Club Davos (official) (@hcd_off)

This doesn’t mean he’s become a coach there, but it does prove that he still has ties with his former team, which accentuates the rumors of seeing him behind the Swiss outfit’s bench.

In fact, Joe Thornton first played with HC Davos in the 2004-05 season, during the NHL Lockout. He returned in 2012-13 when there was another Lockout, then in 2020-21, for a few weeks while waiting for the NHL season to begin, which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As reported by Suedostschweiz, Thornton owns a property in Switzerland where he spends most of his summers. He seems to have fallen in love with the place. He has always had a good relationship with HC Davos.

Rumors have been circulating since last year that Thornton has been offered the job of sporting director of the Spengler Cup. However, he has not yet accepted the position. Perhaps he’s waiting for an offer to coach HC Davos.

Thornton did not play in the NHL during the 2022-23 season. He played for the Panthers in 2021-22, his final season in the Bettman circuit.

At 44, Jumbo Joe has earned the right to hang up his skates. He could certainly still find work on a fourth line in the NHL, but I think a little rest would do him good. And if he loves Switzerland so much, starting his coaching career there could be the perfect option.

We can’t all be like Jaromir Jagr and play in our fifties.

The future Hall of Famer still hasn’t announced his retirement from field hockey. Who knows? Maybe he’ll play one more season with HC Davos.

In bursts

– Harvey-Pinard having fun this summer.

– Vegas will have a new team.

– Ouch.

– New NHL contract.