NHL Rumor: Boston Bruins Goalie Tim Thomas to Take Break from Hockey?

According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN Insider Trading, Boston Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas, the subject of recent trade rumors, is considering sitting out next season.

TSN's Bob McKenzie tweeted:

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My interpretation of @Real_ESPNLeBrun's Tim Thomas considering-taking-a-year-off item: TT chilling the trade talk. Believed to be available.

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Thomas' back-up, the 25-year-old Tuuka Rask, is considered by many to be ready for regular starting duties. Recently, the team also signed 22-year-old goalie Niklas Svedberg from Sweden.

The 38-year-old Thomas has one year remaining on the four-year, $20 million contract he signed on April 2nd, 2009. The contract has a no-trade clause, but it expires on July 1st, according to CapGeek.com.

Because the contract went into effect when Thomas was 35 or older, the entire $5 million cap hit of his contract would count against Boston's cap regardless if he is on the roster or not.

The reigning Vezina trophy and Conn Smythe trophy winner, Thomas was a key member of Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup winning squad, posting a 1.98 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage in 25 playoff games last year.

This year, Thomas put up a 2.36 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 59 games regular season games. He controversially decided against attending the team's meet-and-greet at the White House with President Obama on January 23rd, citing his political beliefs.

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