NHL Trade Rumors: Joe Thornton to Montreal Canadiens

Joe Thornton is a pending unrestricted free agent. Thornton is not interested in taking a role as a third line center on the San Jose Sharks, and poised to test 2017 free agency.

The 38-year-old Thornton showed signs of aging last season, when his production declined to 7 goals and 43 assists. His cap hit for his last contract was $6.75M, and he wants a new contract over $6M and for three years.

The Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers desperately need a center, and both teams have over $21M in cap space remaining to make a splash in free agency. The Canadiens or Rangers could offer Thornton a top line center role and a three year deal on July 1st.