Sunday Daily: Thornton Back on Ice, Expectations for ex-Flames Forward Bennett

With the Calgary Flames set to start training camp next week, one player I pitched as a consideration for a PTO is Joe Thornton. It sounds like he’s back in San Jose skating with some of the Sharks players and weighing his options. His presence in San Jose has triggered all kinds of speculation about a possible position with the Sharks if he retires. But it sounds like no decision has been made yet. Meanwhile, the NHL goaltending carousel is paused while the Montreal Canadiens negotiate to get Jake Allen signed. With Carey Price on LTIR and his great career likely over, it’s a big negotiation the entire league is watching.

The Jumbo drama should come to a close next week sometime. If a PTO is the best he can hope for, the Calgary Flames could use his presence for a number of reasons. Thornton And the fact he’s been skating means he hasn’t ruled it out completely. The Athletic’s Corey Masisak tweeted about Thornton’s return to the area but also said he doesn’t have an official role with the team currently.

Here's an interesting note:

It looks like Joe Thornton and his family have moved back to San Jose while he figures out his next chapter. He's been spotted at Sharks Ice a few times this month skating w/SJS players, hanging out w/SJS brass and at a Jr. Sharks practice. (1/2)

— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) September 9, 2022

It’s another twist in the will he or won’t he retire saga, which has been the theme of Thornton’s last few off-seasons.

What’s the Price on Allen?

Meanwhile, hockey Insiders Kevin Weekes and Elliotte Friedman are both reporting the Montreal Canadiens are engaged in contract talks with goaltender Jake Allen. The 32-year-old netminder has one year remaining on his contract worth $2.875-million and it might not be a bad idea to lock him up with Carey Price reportedly heading to retirement.

It seems likely the Habs will get Allen signed. If not, options abound in a soft goalie market. Montreal Hockey Now reported teams have inquired about Allen’s availability as several NHL clubs are still looking to upgrade their goaltending. Unless the New York Islanders change their mind and deal Semyon Varlamov, the options are very limited.

Allen arrived in Montreal in September of 2020 in a trade with the St. Louis Blues.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: Colby Guy of Florida Hockey Now on what to expect from former Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett. Was he carried by Jonathan Huberdeau? Florida Panthers.

Philadelphia: Owen Tippett is determined to have a significant impact during his first full season with the Flyers. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari weighs in on who has extra pressure to step up during Penguins rookie camp. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Vancouver: The Canucks count on former Philadelphia interim coach Mike Yeo to improve their special teams this season. Vancouver Canucks. 

Vegas: Contract talks with Vegas defenseman Nicolas Hague aren’t progressing very quickly. Vegas Golden Knights.

Washington: Sammi Silber of WHN takes you inside the Capitals informal skates, with an update on Alex Ovechkin. Washington Capitals.