Former tough customer Shawn Thornton is moving into a far less violent role with the Florida Panthers.

Thornton was named the team's vice president of business operations and will work closely with president Matthew Caldwell and chief of staff Sean McCaffrey, the team announced Thursday.

"Shawn's work ethic, enthusiasm, and passion for the Panthers organization is second to none," Caldwell said in the announcement. "We are thrilled to welcome him to our executive team and know that he will bring the same level of professionalism, experience, and leadership to the business side of our organization as he did in the locker room."

Thornton played the final three seasons of his 14-year NHL career with the Panthers where he posted four goals, 10 points, and 197 penalty minutes in 146 games, but is now prepared to take on a different challenge.

"It's a humbling day for me and I'm excited to begin the next chapter of my career in hockey," said Thornton. "The business side of operating an NHL team has always fascinated me. I have had the privilege of learning from and working with a number of first-class individuals, leaders, and organizations during the course of my playing career and I look forward to applying some of those lessons in my new role. My family and I are very grateful that we'll be able to continue to be a part of the Panthers family and the south Florida community."

Over his NHL career, the 39-year-old played in 705 games, tallying 42 goals, 102 points, and a staggering 1,103 penalty minutes, while capturing the Stanley Cup in 2007 as a member of the Anaheim Ducks and again in 2011 with the Boston Bruins.

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