NHL Trade Rumors: Boston Bruins Should Field Offers for Tim Thomas

No NHL team has managed to hoist the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons since the Detroit Red Wings defended their turf atop the world of hockey in the late 1990s.

The Boston Bruins, with the third-highest point total in the league and a jaw-dropping goal differential of plus-69, are as well positioned as any team has been in some time to make that sort of history.

Which is precisely why the Bruins should at least listen to clubs that come calling for All-Star goaltender Tim Thomas.

According to ESPNBoston.com, the Bruins aren't considering shipping Thomas out of town after the firestorm of controversy that sprang up amidst his refusal to join his teammates for their customary visit to the White House. Boston GM Peter Chiarelli put it bluntly, as hockey personnel people tend to: "Not trading him. I have not talked to anyone and I don't plan to."

Chiarelli is certainly justified in his refusal to move Thomas, especially for reasons pertaining to anything off the ice. Thomas currently ranks fifth in the NHL in save percentage, seventh in goals-against average and ninth in wins for a team that's gone 28-7-2 since an abysmal 3-7 start to the 2011-12 season.

That being said, Chiarelli would be foolish not to pick up the phone and at least listen if another team comes calling with an offer for Thomas. The four-time All-Star is approaching his 38th birthday but, in a league where quality goaltending is always at a premium, still holds plenty of value on the trade market.

Meanwhile, the Bruins have another goalie on their roster—Tuukka Rask—who's nearly 13 years younger and sports a better save percentage and goals-against average than Thomas.

Hence, if another team comes along and finds it prudent to offer the Bruins an enticing package pieces for Thomas that would improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup now and into the future, Chiarelli would do well to pay attention.

After all, there's no harm in lending a willing ear and an open mind attached to it.

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