Joe Thornton joined the Florida Panthers ahead of the 2021–22 season, bringing his trademark vision and playmaking ability to a deep roster for one final run. On October 25, 2021, he scored his first goal with Florida in a 5–3 win over the Arizona Coyotes, cleaning up a rebound in front to tie the game late in the first period. Thornton appeared in 34 regular season games with the Panthers, wrapping up a remarkable 24-season career that saw him eclipse 1,500 points, win the Hart Trophy, and become one of the top assist men of his era.