Joe Thornton has signed with HC Davos, the team announced Thursday morning, and could play for the team as early as Saturday.

Thornton is joining HC Davos on loan, as the contract does not preclude him from returning to the NHL when the 2020-2021 season begins, although the league has not set an official start date for training camp or the regular season.

Thornton, 41, has been practicing with Davos since July and became an unrestricted free agent last Friday. Davos is scheduled to play SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers on Saturday.