It sounds like that may not be the case, thanks in large part to Tim Thomas.
Thomas, who planned to sit out the entire season, has waived his no-trade clause, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli told reporters at the draft in Pittsburgh. According to NESN's Naoko Funayama, a few teams have already asked about Thomas.
Nothing definite on Tim Thomas, but he waived his NTC (which would expire July 1 anyway). Chiarelli says, "he's being cooperative."
— Naoko Funayama (@NaokoFunayama) June 22, 2012
Chiarelli says a few teams have inquired about Thomas. Couple about his status for next season, couple in regards to cap floor.
— Naoko Funayama (@NaokoFunayama) June 22, 2012
The timing is interesting, to say the least. Thomas' no-movement clause would have expired on July 1 regardless. However, with Thomas waiving the clause before the end of the month, it now at least opens up the possibility that the Bruins could actually move Thomas and his $5 million cap hit.
Of course, no team will work with the Bruins on a deal until they know for sure that Thomas is willing to play this season. That would require a change of heart from Thomas. However, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos tweeted shortly thereafter that Thomas is still content on sitting this season out.
#SNdraft Despite Thomas waiving his no-trade allowing #Bruins to deal him he still claims it won't changed his mind on taking time off #NHL
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) June 22, 2012
Another possibility, perhaps the more likely outcome, is that a team that needs to get to the league's cap floor could technically deal for Thomas' $5 million cap hit, knowing that the goalie was going to sit out. That's also somewhat complicated, however, with the league's collective bargaining agreement set to expire in a few months.
