Shawn Thornton Season in Review by Fox Sports

And although a nagging groin injury limited him to just 46 games, the 37-year-old forward lived up to his reputation as an ideal teammate and a vocal leader with the ability to transition seamlessly between a stern leader and a carefree joker.

“I loved it,” Thornton said of his first year with the Panthers. “It was a tough year, injury-wise, and I wish I could have contributed more, but as far enjoying the team, the area, and all that stuff, it’s been unreal.”

While many expected him to be nothing more than the Panthers resident pugilist upon his arrival, Thornton prides himself on being much more than a run-of-the-mill brawler. He dropped his gloves a career-low six times this past season, but remained an agitator on the ice and never shied away from a scrum.

“He competes hard,” head coach Gerard Gallant said of Thornton in January. “He’s a character guy and he’s really good for our locker room and good for our team.”