Report: Thomas considering taking break from hockey – NHL.com – News:
According to a report, Boston Bruins starting goalie Tim Thomas may be contemplating taking off the 2012-13 season. ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday night that Thomas was contemplating the idea of a sabbatical for next season. According to the Boston Globe, who also reported the story, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli will comment Friday on the situation. Thomas has one-year left on his current deal. The no-movement clause that is a part of the deal, however, expires July 1. Thomas carries a $5 million cap hit for 2012-13.
What Tim Thomas has done here is twofold. By letting this particular rumor float, he’s made it clear to the Bruins that he’s going to hold next season hostage as a negotiating lever for the new contract he clearly wants.
Beyond that, with his no-movement clause expiring july 1, if the Bruins were considering trading him and going with Rask, Thomas has stuck a dagger in his trade value on the market.
Way to be a team player, Tim. Again. (but are we surprised at this with him at this point? I’m not)
My view: Boston probably is thinking of moving forward with Rask. I certainly would. And if Thomas doesn’t like it, well, let him sit out, put him on the suspended list, and not worry about it too much.
Thomas is at that wonderful age where goalies magically fall off that cliff into “no longer NHL caliber” with little warning. Goalies (Brodeur being a primary exception) rarely age gracefully, they are more likely to pratfall into retirement. I think Thomas again way overplays his value and shows a “me first, me only” attitude that rubs me raw. And if I were the bruins, I’d take this opportunity to tell Mr. Thomas he’s not getting a new contract, and if he doesn’t like it, to enjoy retirement. Because if he does take a year off, he won’t be coming back to the NHL after. Not at his age — and attitude.
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