Tim Thomas had it all. He won the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe in 2011, and was a hero in the city of Boston. He set records during his astonishing run that playoff year, and the story about how he got to Boston and won the starters job was something that even Hollywood wouldn’t have believed.
But then, after an early exit from the 2012 playoffs, Tim Thomas threw it all away, and decided to leave the Boston Bruins and take the 2012-13 season off. It all started with that trip to the White House, the one he refused to go on. He went from hero to target in Boston in a matter of hours after making the decision.
Thomas declined to attend the White House and visit President Barack Obama, the tradition for championship winning teams. It was an odd decision, but one Thomas based off of his political views. Personally, I have no problem with this. They are his views and he has the right to exercise those views. Do I agree with him not going? No, but it was his right.
Thomas was the focus of ruthless media attention in Boston. The daily press meetings and scrums were no longer about hockey, and all were based on Thomas’ decision to not attend the ceremony. Thomas simply got sick of the constant questions on the topic, and you could tell he had had enough of it all in Boston by the team the season ended.
Part of me doesn’t blame him for leaving. The guy made a choice that he had a right to make and was ridiculed for months because of it. The focus left hockey and went all political, and Thomas simply did not want to deal with that. It might not have been the right way to handle it, but his escape from it all was to essentially quit on his teammates.
Thomas wasn’t heard from much during the lock-out, and his name didn’t reappear until his rights were traded mid-season to the New York Islanders to help the Isles get over the cap floor. He never reported, and he stuck true to his word of taking the season off.
Nothing had changed, until Monday, when Thomas’ agent confirmed that Tim wanted him to look at possible opportunity this summer, and that there would be no further comment. That can only mean that Thomas, a former playoff hero and Vezina trophy winner, will return to the NHL.
So what is Tim Thomas at this point? Thomas is a 39 year old goalie that will have been out of the game for about a year and a half when camp opens. He was last a top ten goalie in the league, but it’s hard to imagine he jumps right back into that spot. He certainly has the ability to, but it won’t be easy.
Thomas will still be a solid goalie. He knows how to play, he has good abilities and he never gives up on the ice. I still expect him to be a solid contributor where ever he goes, and I honestly think he could start for over half the teams in the league. Say what you will about Thomas the guy, but Thomas the goalie is a really good goalie.
Teams that would be interested? I would have to imagine the New York Islanders, who are a young team looking for a starter. The Flyers will no doubt be in on Thomas, as they too need a starting goalie for the upcoming season. If the Pens move Fleury (unlikely, but still) then Pittsburgh would be a fit too. Edmonton might be interested, and I think Jets would be too.
Where does Thomas end up? It’s anyone’s guess, but if I had to bet, I would say the Flyers sign him to a two year deal.
After his unlikely journey to the big leagues and his rise and his fall in Boston, it’s only fitting that Tim Thomas returns for an encore in the NHL for the 2013-14 season.
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