LOWELLTwo things are pretty clear about Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins.
His teammates have come to expect the unexpected with their former eccentric goaltender, and theyve also moved on from Thomas ever suiting up for them again. Milan Lucic was asked about his Conn Smythe-winning teammate prior to his third Annual Rock and Jock Softball game for charity at the LeLacheur Park home of the Lowell Spinners, and couldnt help but crack a smile.
Thomas has packed up his Conn Smythe Trophy, his two Vezina Trophies and his five All-Star appearances and moved them to Colorado to reconnect with friendly, faith and family, the Bruins have moved on as an organization.
He is who he is, said Lucic with a laugh. He obviously has strong feelings on who he is and what he believes in. Thats one thing you can always respect about him.
But other than that hes made his decision and we have to prepare to move forward without him.
Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs told WEEI earlier this week that he feels theres a good chance that Thomas will get moved once the NHL and NHLPA come to an agreement on terms for a new collective bargaining agreement. Thats still a reasonable assumption if the salary cap floor remains close to the 54 million mark it was expected to be next year, and could become an ever greater possibility if Thomas reconsiders playing next season once hes traded away from Boston.
The 38-year-old goaltender never definitively stated he was sitting out the 2012-13 season in his infamous Facebook statement following the Bruins season, but does appear ready to turn the page on his outstanding career in a Black and Gold Bs sweater. It would seem that his teammates are just as ready to move on to the Tuukka Rask Era in Boston, and that will happen once hockey begins anew this season.