Chicago Blackhawks legend and Hall of Famer Chris Chelios will have his No. 7 retired during an on-ice ceremony Feb. 25 prior to a game against the the Detroit Red Wings, the Blackhawks confirmed Thursday.

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder brought his friend Chelios on stage and surprised him with the news during a sold-out show at Chicago's United Center on Thursday night.

Chelios will be the ninth player in franchise history to have his number retired. He joins Glenn Hall (No. 1), Pierre Pilote (No. 3), Keith Magnusson (No. 3), Bobby Hull (No. 9), Denis Savard (No. 18), Stan Mikita (No. 21), Tony Esposito (No. 31), and Marian Hossa (No. 81).

The 61-year-old Chelios ranks fourth among blue-liners in assists (395) and points (487) and is fifth in goals (92) in club history. He's also the team's all-time leader in penalty minutes (1,495).

Defenseman Brent Seabrook also notably wore No. 7 for the Blackhawks and won three Stanley Cups with the franchise.

Chelios, who was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 following a 26-year career, sits eighth among defensemen with assists (763) and 10th in points (948) in NHL history.

He also played for the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets).

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The Florida Panthers signed veteran forward Joe Thornton to a one-year deal, the club announced Friday.

Thornton's contract is worth $750,000 and has no bonuses or incentives, according to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.

The 42-year-old has played in 1,680 career games between the Boston Bruins (1997-06), San Jose Sharks (2006-20), and Toronto Maple Leafs (2020-21).

"With more than 1,600 games played in the NHL, Joe will bring a wealth of experience to our locker room and lineup," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a statement. "His drive to succeed is unmistakable and we are thrilled that he chose to sign with our club and that he believes in what we are building here in South Florida."

Thornton is sixth all time in games played in NHL history. He has amassed 1,529 points during his career, which included a Hart Trophy in the 2005-06 campaign.

The six-time All-Star has never won the Stanley Cup despite all his on-ice accolades.

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