Going into the final season of his four-year, $20 million contract, Thomas' agent Bill Zito informed Chiarelli of Thomas' new plans: to sit out the 2012-2013 campaign. Fatigue and too much time away from his family were the two suspected reasons behind the decision, and while valid, this puts the Bruins is a tough spot.
Thomas is still owed $3 million, and his $5 million per year will still impact the Bruins' salary cap. Since injuring himself mid-game in early March, Tuukka Rask has not started in goal but now appears to be the Bruins' opening night starter.
I think Rask in goal is a great move. He has shown he can be just as solid as Thomas, one season removed from winning the Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Award, with a solid goals against average and a ferocity in the crease that is unmatched by his competition. He is a more traditional goaltender, staying home in his crease and making quick decisions that don't result in skating 15 feet out towards one of the face-off dots.
Thomas is yet to officially go on record and say he will be taking the year off, but all signs are pointed in that direction as of now. I'm sure many hockey players are worn down throughout the season and over the years, but for some of the toughest athletes in the sports world, and for someone who gets paid to do something they love, like play a game, I think this is a bad move by Timmy.
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