Tim Thomas Interested in Returning to NHL

Tim Thomas is open to making a return to the NHL, according to his agent, Bill Zito. Thomas has not played in over a year. The Bruins traded his rights to the Islanders following the 2011-2012 season.

Thomas reportedly asked Zito to make a few calls around the league in order to find out what teams may be interested in his services. Thomas, a two time Vezina winner, is now 39.

”We talked this morning and he asked me to see if there’s any options,” Zito said by phone. ”So I’ll be exploring his options to see what could be out there.”

The Islanders acquired Thomas last season for the sole reason of meeting the league wide $44 million cap minimum.

At this point in time, Thomas is merely weighing his options and appeasing his curiosity. It’s unknown as to whether or not Thomas has been practicing and staying in shape.

Expect Thomas to field a few calls based on his track record alone when free agency opens up on July 5. Thomas boasts a 196-121-45 record, with a 2.48 GAA and 31 shutouts in 378 career games.

With a Stanley Cup on the resume, teams who feel they are a piece away from becoming a legitimate contender, will certainly be lining up to find out what’s going on with Thomas.

Philadelphia has shown interest in Thomas in the recent past. The Flyers bought out Ilya Bryzgalov, as they could have Thomas in their cross hairs.

The Islanders also used a compliance buy-out on goalie Rick Dipietro. Coincidentally enough, Evegeni Nabokov is set to hit the free agent market, just as Thomas is expressing interest in a return.

The Sabres have also flirted with the possibility of dealing away Ryan Miller, as they plan to build for the future. Miller has one year left on his current deal.

Only time will tell if anything comes of this. But this news is worthy of keeping an eye on.

Frank O’Laughlin – Senior NHL Contributor – TitleTown Sports Network

 

Rask Primed for Lucrative Pay Day

Bruins standout net minder, Tuukka Rask, is seeking a sizeable salary increase this summer. Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com reports that Rask is seeking a deal that would pay him roughly $39 million dollars over the course of six-years.

Those figures are a just a reported starting point for the negotiations. Rask and his representation are basing those figures off the contract Carey Price of the Canadiens recently signed.

Don’t be surprised if Rask is able to wrangle up a deal worth $7 million per season. Pecca Rinne is set to make that in 2013-2014 for the Predators. Conflicting reports kicking around suggest Rask has already asked for such money.

Rask is a restricted free agent and does have a ton of leverage when it comes to the negotiations. His stellar play throughout the regular season and dominate efforts in the playoffs mark him as a prime candidate for a huge contract. Based off the words of Peter Chiarelli, Boston is likely to do anything in order to get him signed long term.

“Well, you’d like to get everything done quickly,” Chiarelli said about Rask. “I don’t know if I’ll have that luxury, but certainly I’ll try just so you have your certainty on your team and cap and all that. Rask obviously had a terrific playoff and we’d like to get him done as soon as we can.”

The Bruins and Rask’s agent Bill Zito will be meeting at the NHL Draft to discuss the contract. Rask established himself as a proven, successful, number one goalie in the NHL. Expect Zito to be pushing hard, with that as his main bargaining chip.

Rask would really likely to stay in Boston long term and has high hopes of agreeing on a deal.

“That would be an ideal situation, I think to play here forever,” Rask said. “I hope we can make that happen.”

Frank O’Laughlin – Senior NHL Contributor – TitleTown Sports Network

Bruins Shut Out The Lightning 3-0

November 11, 2013 By Rachel Murphy Leave a Comment