Shocking news coming out of Boston that doesn't involve the Boston Celtics nor the Boston Red Sox. This news, will change the future of the Boston Bruins and the up coming season at the least. As of today June 3, the 38 year old Tim Thomas officially announced he has decided to "sit out" for the 2012-13 NHL season. Thomas has spent the past ten years as a member of the Boston Bruins, and it took him four years to emerge as the starting goaltender at the age of 32. He has one-year left on his current contract and a no-movement clause, which means he cannot be traded, waived, or sent down to the minors without his approval. His no-movement clause expires July 1.
Throughout his fifteen year career, Thomas has managed to win the Vezina Trophy (league's best goaltender) in both 2009 and 2011, as well as being a member of the 2010 Winter Olympics U.S.A Men's Hockey Team that won the silver medal. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy (Most Valuable Player) in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and became the oldest player and second American-born player to win this accolade in NHL history. Not only did he manage to capture the MVP of the 2011 playoffs, the Boston Bruins were also able to edge off the Vancouver Canucks to win the Stanley Cup.
Tim Thomas has dedicated his whole life to hockey, he has decided to focus his life on his "friends, family, and faith" for this upcoming year. During this past season, Thomas and his family decided to sell their house in Boston, and relocate to Colorado. As Thomas only has one-year remaining on his current contract with the Bruins, is this a sign of early retirement? Since Tuukka Rask will become a restricted free agent this offseason, and is vital to the Boston Bruins, are the Bruins forced to re-sign him to a long-term contract? If re-signed, is Tuukka deserving of high salary contract? Is he capable of being the No.1 goaltender on the Bruins depth-chart? With the Bruins using both Thomas and Rask these past few years, will the Bruins try to sign another skilled No. 2 goaltender? Could this also take the Bruins out of contention to win the Stanley Cup, or even making the 2013 playoffs?
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