Thornton: Starting on line with Matthews, Marner makes me 'feel young again'

Starting training camp on the Toronto Maple Leafs' top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner is making 41-year-old Joe Thornton feel like he's been dipped into the fountain of youth.

"To start with them is pretty special," he said, according to the Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby. "I feel young again."

Thornton has played center almost exclusively throughout his 22-year NHL career, but he's fine with moving to left wing.

"I played like a rover in San Jose," the veteran continued, according to the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan. "I feel comfortable there."

Thornton also added that he played left wing in Switzerland with HC Davos, according to NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger.

Thornton is among the game's best all-time playmakers, so pairing him with one of the league's top snipers in Matthews could pay dividends. However, there are questions regarding whether Thornton can keep up with Toronto's young guns.

The future Hall of Famer tallied seven goals and 24 assists in 70 games with the San Jose Sharks last season.

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