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Nylander, Tavares and Keefe share some thoughts on Joe Thornton following his retirement

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Mike Armenti
October 31, 2023 (11:14)

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This past weekend, one of the major storylines coming out of the NHL was the retirement of living legend, Joe Thornton. After more than 1,700 career regular season NHL games, Thornton finally went public with his retirement announcement with a "tarps off" video message.

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Thornton only spent one season with the Maple Leafs, but his impact was certainly felt by the team and head coach. William Nylander, John Tavares and Sheldon Keefe each shared some thoughts on what "Jumbo" meant to the team and how he'll be remembered by each of them.

"A lot of good memories with Joe. We had some time together in the quarantine house for 14 days. Just an incredible guy. It's been an honour to play with a legend like him." - Nylander on Thornton

"He's one of a kind. He's truly one of a kind. Amazing career and obviously a future Hall-of-Famer. It was a great experience to play with Jumbo." - Tavares on Thornton

"What I remember most is just the passion and energy that he has coming in to the rink, for a guy who has played as long as he had at that point and everything that he's accomplished in his career, to come in to our team and still have the drive and the passion... you look at the guys who play a long time and there's a real consistency in the love they have for the game. That's the common denominator that keeps them hungry... That's what I really remember and I think that's part of what is the lasting piece of his short time here. He just gave our guys that sense of importance of remaining connected to having fun and enjoying every day." - Keefe on Thornton

Obviously, as Tavares had stated, Thornton is a surefire Hall-of-Famer. While a Stanley Cup championship alluded him, he did come close a number of times and was a 4-time All-Star and a former Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner, and a multi-time international gold medalist (one Olympic and two World Cup gold medals) so there's certainly plenty of hardware in Jumbo's trophy case. All the best, again, to Thornton in his retirement.

Clip at Sportsnet.ca.

Previously on Maple Leafs Daily

Insider discusses whether or not neck guard mandate is coming in the National Hockey League

19-year-old forced into early retirement due to head trauma

Bruins defenseman likely facing suspension following dirty hit

POLL
OCTOBRE 31 \| 140 ANSWERS Nylander, Tavares and Keefe share some thoughts on Joe Thornton following his retirement What will Joe Thornton do in his life after hockey?
Analyst	24	17.1 %
Front office	57	40.7 %
Coach	29	20.7 %
Nothing in hockey	30	21.4 %
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Nylander, Tavares and Keefe share some thoughts on Joe Thornton following his retirement

This past weekend, one of the major storylines coming out of the NHL was the retirement of living legend, Joe Thornton. After more than 1,700 career regular season NHL games, Thornton finally went public with his retirement announcement with a "tarps off" video message.

What will Joe Thornton do in his life after hockey?