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| Thornton, 34, will be a Bruin for two more seasons. (Getty Images) |
All in all, Saturday wasn't a bad day for Boston Bruins forward/tough guy Shawn Thornton . His team got a much-needed two points to snap a four-game losing streak by beating the Flyers in a shootout and he got to enjoy St. Patrick's Day in Boston.
Oh, and he got himself a brand new two-year extension to remain with the reigning Stanley Cup champs too.
Scheduled to become a free agent after this season, instead GM Peter Chiarelli did what he has done with so much of his championship roster and locked him in for a longer run. According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the contract calls for $1.1 million per season.
Described by many as the quintessential "fighter" remaining in the game, Thornton is more than just a pair of fists. He protects his teammates, sure, but he also helps them out, bringing some skill to the table too. Not a whole lot, but enough to not be a liability on the ice the way some of the other enforcers were who have been phased out of the NHL little by little.
He has four goals and eight assists this season following his 10-goal, 10-assist campaign last season, his best numbers of his career.
Thornton is at the heart of the Bruins' grit and he will take on anybody, including scribes from other cities. He has become a fan favorite as a result, sort of an every man's man.
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