Unload Tim Thomas?

Here's a big question. Should the Boston Bruins unload former Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas? In the 2010 - 2011 NHL season the young and promising Tuukka Rask will take over as the B's starting goaltender. Thomas' still has three years remaining in his contract, which also includes a no trade clause. It is clear that Thomas has the desire to be a starting goaltender, and barring an injury, Thomas will back up Rask next season. If I was Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, then I would look at the situation this way. First off there is really no need to have two starting net minders. And I'm sure that Rask has no problem at all participating in 70+ games this season. We have also all noted that Thomas is the type of goalie that plays better when he sees a lot of action. He is not the type of guy who can just take a week and a half break in between starts and still play really well. A third reason is the Bruins are squeezed for cap space, and this could really open things up. Thomas is 36 years of age and just recovering from off season hip surgery.

The Bruins front office will also have to consider  what they do when Rask gets tired. No goalie can with stand playing all 82 games. They could bring up Dany Sabourin from Providence, but I don't know if would fair well against other NHL level teams and players. Chiarelli also needs to consider what he could get in return for Thomas. They already have plenty of draft picks for next years lottery, Tuukka will be strong between the pipes so they don't need another goalie, the Bruins blue liners are all in good shape, and the team is fortified with good centers. So maybe they could get another wing?

The only place I can see Tim Thomas landing next year is San Jose. Why? Evgeni Nabakov, who has played 10 season for the Sharks signed a four year deal to go play in his homeland Russia. With Nabakov playing in St. Petersburg next year, the Sharks are with out a starting goalie. Thomas wants a chance to play for the Stanley Cup and I think that with Thomas in net for the Sharks they have a legitimate chance. My guess is that Thomas will refuse to waive the no trade clause unless he will go to a championship contending team, in which case he will if its the Sharks. But what does Boston get? They don't have any wingers the Bruins could use but they could give the Bruins a handful of prospects, or maybe even yet another draft pick.

If I was in Chiarelli's shoes then I would trade Thomas, but only if the right deal pops up. If the Bruins can get even more young prospects, along with the draft picks and prospects that they already have, then Bruins could have a real power house team down the road. So my message to the Bruins front office is to unload Thomas, but make sure that you get a good deal for him.