Thornton had 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) and averaged 15:33 in ice time in 73 games this season. He was voted a finalist for the Masterton with New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno. The winner will be announced during the show at the Mandalay Bay Events Center sports and entertainment complex.
Thornton ranks eighth in NHL history with 1,065 assists and 14th with 1,478 points (413 goals) in 1,566 games, but he has not won the Stanley Cup. After being eliminated by the Blues in six games this postseason, Thornton watched them defeat the Boston Bruins in seven games in the Stanley Cup Final.
"We had a good year, but I think with the guys we've got coming back, there's no reason why we can't give it another crack," said Thornton, who had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games. "We just ran out of gas, a lot of guys were hurt and stuff like that, like a lot of teams. So, it was unfortunate, but it's a new year now."
Thornton said he was encouraged by the Sharks signing defenseman Erik Karlsson to an eight-year contract Monday. Karlsson could have become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
"Super excited for him. Really excited for him," Thornton said. "With [Brent Burns] and him in the back end, and Pickles (Marc-Edouard Vlasic), it's good pairings back there."