Former Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas made an interesting decision this past season by choosing to sit out the lockout-shortened year rather than playing second fiddle to Tuukka Rask in Boston. The decorated American goalie is back, however, as he signed a tryout deal with the Florida Panthers.
The team announced the news on Twitter:
Even though Thomas is 39 years old, there is reason to believe that he still has plenty left in the tank. Thomas' numbers were solid during the 2011-12 season, when he posted a 2.36 goals-against average to go along with a .920 save percentage and a sparkling 35-19-1 record.
It can be argued that taking a year off will be disadvantageous to Thomas because of his advancing age, but at the same time, taking a year off means that Thomas has avoided extra wear and tear to his body. He should be fresh heading into next season and he will likely be ready to shoulder the load in net.
Thomas is just two years removed from one of the most prolific goaltending seasons in recent memory. Not only did he win the second Vezina Trophy of ...
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Article written by Mike Chiari