Joe Thornton linked to Canadian team in offseason rumors

In his latest column for Calgary Hockey Now, Steve Macfarlane takes a look at the holes on the Calgary Flames' roster heading into the season and wonders if GM Brad Treliving might bring in veteran forward Joe Thornton on a professional tryout (PTO) contract.

From Macfarlane:

And considering all the changes that have taken place this offseason, bringing in a living hockey legend like Joe Thornton for a training camp tryout might be the perfect addition for a smooth locker-room transition.

...bringing in Thornton to see what’s left in the 43-year-old’s tank would be a risk-free opportunity for the Flames. Worst-case scenario, the Calgary Flames give the veteran journeyman a chance to audition for the entire NHL during the preseason. In the meantime, they get his energy and experience in a locker-room that has several new, high-profile players that will have to come together quickly with the existing core to defend the Pacific Division title.

Personally, I can't see it happening. I think there are better options for the Flames already in the system and, honestly, I don't see Thornton heading anywhere on a PTO. For better or worse, he's a player who plays his best when he's in control of his environment. Take him out of his element and you don't really get the full Jumbo Joe Experience.

Add in the fact that you've got task master Daryl Sutter behind the Flames' bench and it's just not a good fit in my opinion. Which is ironic because Sutter has had nothing but positive things to say about Thornton.

“I’ve coached against him a lot. I have a ton of respect for him. It’s not just how long he’s played but the success and how he’s played at playoff time. I think what gets overlooked in all parts of this game is playoff performances,” Sutter said in March of 2021 when Thornton was playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. “That’s a guy, he’s knocked on the door a lot. His playoff performance has been immaculate, and his ability to recover and play through tough injuries is remarkable.”

Still, despite the praise from Coach Sutter I don't see a fit. Thoughts, Flames fans?