Thornton gets nearly $7 million

BOSTON, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Boston Bruins Captain Joe Thornton was awarded $6.75 million in arbitration Tuesday for the 2004-2005 season.

Thornton earned $5.5 million last season when he had 23 goals and 50 assists. In 2002-03, he had 36 goals and 101 points.

In 509 career games, Thornton has 160 goals and 261 assists for 421 points.

The NHL announced two other arbitration decisions Tuesday. Washington Capitals defenseman Brendan Witt got $2.2 million, up from $1.75 million last season and New York Islanders center Oleg Kvasha got $1.55 million, up from $800,000.