Tim Thomas: Boston Bruins Goalie Reportedly Considering Sitting out Next Season

The strained relationship between Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins appears to have taken another turn toward the strange.

UPDATE: Sunday, June 3 at 1:15 p.m. ET by Nicholas Goss

Thomas has taken to his Facebook page to tell the world that he won't play next season.

"

Tim Thomas announces on Facebook he's going to sit out season to focus on "friends, family and faith." Great goaltender and very goofy guy

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) June 3, 2012"

Here is part of his Facebook post, which can be read in its entirety here.

"

At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three F's. 

Friends, Family, and Faith. 

This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year.

"

It's great that Thomas wants to spend time with family and friends, but it's a strange move to make when he's still under contract for one more season at a salary cap hit of $5 million. It will be interesting to see if Thomas comes back to the NHL at any time over the next year.

UPDATE: Friday, June 1 at 3:34 p.m. ET by Nicholas Goss

Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli has confirmed the reports that Thomas is thinking about sitting out the 2012-13 season, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

"

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, on conference call with reporters, confirms that Thomas is considering possibly taking a year off

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 1, 2012"

I can't believe Thomas will sit out. He's still capable of being an elite goaltender for a few years, and since he's going into a contract year, he could make himself a lot of money by playing well in the 2012-13 season.

However, it sure feels like Thomas has played his last game for the Bruins.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the 38-year-old goaltender is considering sitting out the 2012-2013 NHL season, though he's given no explanation for the potential break.

The sabbatical would be only the latest in a string of unusual decisions made by Thomas in recent months. Most notably, Thomas refused to join his teammates at the White House to meet and be recognized by President Barack Obama for winning the Stanley Cup, as is customary for sports champions in America. 

Joe Haggerty of Comcast Sportsnet New England reported on Thursday that Thomas had already moved his family from the Bostonian suburbs to Colorado Springs, Colorado, midway through this past season.

Thomas was also noticeably evasive and noncommittal in his responses to questions after the Bruins were bounced by the Washington Capitals during the first round of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.

The latest twist in the Thomas saga comes amidst speculation that the B's may look to trade him this summer. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2011 Conn Smythe recipient has one year at a cap hit of $5 million remaining on his current contract, but will see his no-trade clause expire on July 1st.

In his stead, the B's would seem likely to turn to Thomas' backup, 25-year-old Tuukka Rask, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.

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At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three F's.

Friends, Family, and Faith.

This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year.

just that