Shawn Thornton Contract Extension Atrracts Praise

“I’m not going to lie. It’s a little bit of weight off my shoulders,’’ Thornton said. “It wasn’t a distraction. But it’s definitely a little easier when you know you’re going to be somewhere for the next couple years.’’

Thornton will be 36 in 2014, the final year of his extension. But given his physical shape and his commitment to offseason fitness (boxing at The Ring in Allston is one of his go-to workouts), Thornton’s legs should be sound throughout the duration of the contract.