Thornton to help manage Canada at Spengler Cup

Joe Thornton is finding ways to stay busy now that he's officially retired.

Thornton and Calgary Flames assistant general manager Brad Pascall will be co-GMs for Canada at the 2023 Spengler Cup, Hockey Canada announced Wednesday. Hnat Domenichelli - a former NHLer and current GM of HC Lugano in the Swiss National League - will be Canada's assistant GM at the tourney.

Thornton hasn't played since his 2021-22 campaign with the Florida Panthers and confirmed his retirement on Saturday.

Canada's roster at the Spengler Cup is typically made up of Canadians playing overseas in various European leagues. It's hosted annually by Swiss club HC Davos, with whom Thornton had stints during the 2004-05 lockout, the 2012 lockout, and the 2020 pandemic.

Thornton represented Canada numerous times on the international stage throughout his illustrious career. He won gold at the 1997 world juniors, the 2010 Olympics, and the 2004 and 2016 World Cups.