Thornton has retired from professional hockey and joined the Panthers' executive staff as the Vice President of Business Operations.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton will take his talents from the penalty box to the luxury box, as he will strive to build the Florida franchise for the next generation. The 12-year man finishes his career with just 102 points in 705 games, but that's because his career was never truly focused on scoring -- Thornton will be remembered for his punishing style of play that cleared the way for his teammates, for which he received an astounding 1103 penalty minutes during his time in the NHL.

Thornton on Thursday announced his intentions to retire following the 2016-17 season, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton will skip the team's final contest of this season, playing his final NHL game in the team's home finale Saturday against the Sabres. He will have played 705 career games at the top level once he completes the final two. While he's only contributed four points over 48 contests and has topped 20 points just once over the course of his long career, the big man thrived in his role as an enforcer. His biggest output came in 2011-12, when he racked up 154 penalty minutes and 91 hits. The 39-year-old will reportedly now transition to a front office role for the Panthers.

Thornton scored a second-period goal during Thursday's win over Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

The tally snapped a 12-game point drought and was just the fourth point of the season for the veteran winger. His 60 PIM still move the needle, but otherwise, Thornton offers absolutely no fantasy value and is best ignored in all settings.

Thornton has only dressed for 15 games this year, contributing a single assist along the way.

EDGE Analysis

The 37-year-old enforcer has never been known for his offense (99 points in 670 career games), but it's worth noting that he's only recorded seven PIM this year. Thornton used to be known for his pugilistic contributions and maintained value in some settings due to his time spent in the sin bin (1043 career PIM), but with such a lack in playing time, there's nothing left here to latch onto for fantasy purposes.

Thornton collected an assist in Saturday's 2-1 shootout win over the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran pugilist recorded his first point of the season in what was his fourth appearance of 2016-17. Thornton rarely plays thanks to his frequent banishment to the press box as a healthy scratch, making him about as irrelevant a player as any for fantasy purposes.

Thornton will make his season debut Saturday afternoon against the Sabres, Joe Yerdon of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Panthers coach Gerard Gallant has shuffled the active lineup ahead of the upcoming contest against the bottom dwellers of the Eastern Conference, and that includes giving Thornton and defenseman Steven Kampfer their first taste of game action this season. Still, Thornton isn't likely to be much of a factor in fantasy leagues, as he scored only 10 points in 96 games with the Cats over the last two seasons.

Thornton hasn't suited up for a game yet this season.

EDGE Analysis

The tough guy got into 50 games last year, but even with some injuries up front, the Panthers haven't yet brought him out of the press box. That leaves his value pretty much nil even in fantasy formats that utilize Thornton's two best categories, hits and PIM.

The Panthers agreed to terms with Thornton on a one-year contract extension Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton is a 12-year veteran lauded for his work ethic and role as a leader. While he's not very impactful in the fantasy realm with just three points and 50 PIM in 35 games, Thornton appears to be in the good graces of management. "Shawn is a highly respected and hardworking member of our hockey club, both on and off the ice," general manager Dale Tallon said. "His experience and leadership have made a positive impact on our locker room and on our young players as they continue their development."

Thornton tallied an assist while taking one shot on goal and posting a minus-1 in Monday's loss to Edmonton.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton is averaging only 8:32 of ice time per game, but did muster up his first assist of the season on Monday. In 25 games, serving as a healthy scratch for a number of others, he has a goal and an assist while also picking up 44 penalty minutes.

Thornton is likely to be scratched from Friday night's contest against the Islanders, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

This item is mostly a heads up for Panthers fans as Thornton has probably gone unnoticed in many fantasy leagues since he hasn't recorded a point in 12 games. He does have 35 PIM, however, so not all is lost.