During the announcement of his retirement, he revealed that he would be joining the Panthers' front office in a business related position after the conclusion of his playing career.

He appealed the suspension and had a hearing that Friday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who did not immediately announce a decision.

Thornton and Orpik, who are friends, were part of a group of players who had worked out together in the offseason and during the NHL lockout.

[8] Thornton is also the cousin of footballer Chris Brunt, who represented the Northern Ireland national team [9] and most recently played for Bristol City F.C.

[10] Thornton was a part-owner of a restaurant in Pembroke, Massachusetts named Turner's Yard, which closed in 2014.

Thornton made a cameo in the 2012 film Ted as an audience member at a Norah Jones concert.