Joe Thornton said he expects to play on Monday when the Toronto Maple Leafs face the Ottawa Senators after missing 10 games with a broken rib.
“(The injury) was unfortunate, but I feel really good now and I can’t wait to play tomorrow,” Thornton said Sunday. “I’ve got the proper pads and I’ve been taking some light hits and some big hits and medium hits. Right now, I feel really good. I have no restrictions.”
Related: If you’re a fan of the Maple Leafs, check out #LeafsForever rumors, rankings, and news here.
The 41-year-old Thornton is in his first season with the Maple Leafs, signing a one-year deal after 15 seasons with the San Jose Sharks. He played his first seven-plus seasons in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, who selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in 1997.
Thornton returned to practice on Sunday for the first time since sustaining the injury in a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 20. In five games this season, he has two points (one goal, one assist) while playing primarily on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner.
His teammates are looking forward to his return.
Related: NHL games today – 2022 NHL offseason calendar, NHL Draft, free agency
“I think it’ll be a big boost, especially with the vibe in the room and team morale,” Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly said. “He just brings a lot. He’s a great player. Obviously, his career speaks for itself and I think he has great leadership and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
Thornton has played in 1,641 games and has scored 1,511 points (421 goals, 1,090 assists). In 2005-06, he won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s top scorer with 125 points (29 goals, 96 assists) and also won the Hart Trophy as MVP.
–Field Level Media