Bruins opt against retaining pending UFA enforcer Shawn Thornton
Michael Ivins / Reuters
General manager Peter Chiarelli announced Monday that the Boston Bruins will not retain pending unrestricted free agent enforcer Shawn Thornton.
In seven seasons policing for the Bruins, Thornton played in 566 games in the regular season and playoffs combined, tallying 35 goals on a fourth-line flank.
With an undeniable passion for the Bruins' crest, Thornton was a fan favorite but his loyalty likely contributed to his undoing.
The 36-year-old was suspended for 15 games for doing his "job" in an attack on Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik and was chastised for spraying water at P.K. Subban in the postseason.
Thornton won a Stanley Cup ring in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks and again in 2011 with the Bruins.