why is he not a team player?
- dt99999

for leaving his team with a 5 million dollar cap hit and not playing ?

(frank) YOU JFJ!
- WafflesAtACC

I see a resemblance. . .

I don't remember anybody giving Brian Rafalski this much grief last year

From USA Today

"This was probably the most challenging season of my career, both physically, mentally and spiritually, but it was also the most rewarding and most blessed," Rafalski said. "The decision was made between myself and my wife approximately two months ago. We went through a long process of weighing different factors in our lives. At the end of the day it came down to priorities, with the top three priorities being serving God, serving my family and serving others"

Seems like it's the same 3 reasons TT gave. Why is this an issue for Thomas and not Rafalski? Because Timmay doesn't like that black marxist in the White House?
- bruinsbeer69

The difference was that in Rafalski's case when he retired, he was not on a 35+ contract so his cap hit was removed from the Wings cap. Thomas as you know is not in that same category.

for leaving his team with a 5 million dollar cap hit and not playing ?
- Rayven

Sup dude... I'm guessing you aren't too happy with this?

What does Thomas owe the Bruins? There was strong speculation that he was going to be dealt this summer. Should he just take that punch and maybe go to Columbus and suck it up? He won the Bruins a Cup, he won't be taking any of the Bruins' money so what's the big deal? Also, because he didn't go visit Obama at the White House he's crazy? I'm not sure I could go see Obama, and shake his hand and be a hypocrite myself. Teams invited to the White House is a political move as much as anything else. I commend Thomas for having the balls to use his celebrity status to make a statement and then for taking the heat for doing it.

HE HAS BELIEFS OUTSIDE OF HOCKEY!?!?!?!?!



OMG LET'S GET HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- dt99999

Ladies and gentleman, Jesus has entered the building.

Sup dude... I'm guessing you aren't too happy with this?
- kneughter

I don't like it, no sir I don't

What does Thomas owe the Bruins?
- GilPerreault

Honoring the contract would be a good start. While the Bruins don't have to pay him, his salary still counts against the cap.

Honoring the contract would be a good start. While the Bruins don't have to pay him, his salary still counts against the cap.
- atc

exactly

Well played BJ, well played
- Double_A

Cool Beans Brother

Honoring the contract would be a good start. While the Bruins don't have to pay him, his salary still counts against the cap.
- atc

He signed a contract with the intent of playing and then being reimbursed. He won't be playing and won't be paid for his services. Also, there is a good chance he was going to be traded. He nullified that option for the Bruins.

Does anyone know if the Bruins can waive Thomas while he takes a leave of absence or whatever it will be viewed as, and if he passes waivers then assign him to their minor league team and then have no cap hit? I'm pretty sure they will be able to do that if they want to risk losing a 39 year old goalie who will have been away from the professional game for a year; and if they don't believe another team will risk having his salary count against their salary cap if they claim him and he doesn't play for them.

I don't like it, no sir I don't
- Rayven

TT just seems like a odd ball... but I just don't understand why he couldn't just play this year out.. AND then retire... its 1 (frank)ing year and then he wouldn't have the whole organization rolling their eyes.

Its beyond strange...

Realistically though, which teams do you see being able to take his contract? Tampa has already said no, Chicago can't afford the cap, which just leaves Toronto and Florida. Two teams. And it's not like they will be competing for him either, with Vokoun being available still.
- JamieS

Wow .... lots of definative statements there....

I think there is an equal chance he remains a Canuck.

There is 100% NO HURRY to trade him or anyone. So the Canucks pay extra for two #1 goalies... it's not like they are any compitition in their division. If money that could have gone to an extra D-man stays in the net for up to the next trade deadline... I think the Canucks are in a way better position than either Toronto or Tampa. They are the ones who need the trade.

Wow .... lots of definative statements there....

I think there is an equal chance he remains a Canuck.

There is 100% NO HURRY to trade him or anyone. So the Canucks pay extra for two #1 goalies... it's not like they are any compitition in their division. If money that could have gone to an extra D-man stays in the net for up to the next trade deadline... I think the Canucks are in a way better position than either Toronto or Tampa. They are the ones who need the trade.
- Beatle_john

we really don't care BJ

TT just seems like a odd ball... but I just don't understand why he couldn't just play this year out.. AND then retire... its 1 (frank)ing year and then he wouldn't have the whole organization rolling their eyes.

Its beyond strange...
- kneughter

'tis indeed

we really don't care BJ
- Rayven

I am only repsonding to someone's comment. Chill out. Relax. Maybe.......... take a year off.

I am only repsonding to someone's comment. Chill out. Relax. Maybe.......... take a year off.
- Beatle_john

Maybe Ek should take a year off....

Maybe Ek should take a year off....
- kneughter

I am only repsonding to someone's comment. Chill out. Relax. Maybe.......... take a year off.
- Beatle_john

There is no place for religion in sports.

The difference was that in Rafalski's case when he retired, he was not on a 35+ contract so his cap hit was removed from the Wings cap. Thomas as you know is not in that same category.
- riceroni

Bingo! Had Rafalski stuck the Wings with a 6 million cap hit and not play, i would have been pissed...even if the Wings didn't even use most of it this season.

If i was a Bruins fan i would be pissed off that the team can't spend that cap space on a player or players that actually want to play and make the team better.

... The farther they fall...

There is no place for religion in sports.
- Scooby_Doo

Amen to that. I mean, yeah I agree.

The same goes for politics. Keep religion inside churches and temples and the world is a much better place.

So if he is suspended and the cap hit is applied....if he decides to return does he still have to honour the remaining 1 year that he was suspended for and if he does then does that apply again to the cap hit?

Even if he retired it would still be applied to the cap....he is essentially forcing the team to lose an asset that they can return into another asset.

I don't remember anybody giving Brian Rafalski this much grief last year

From USA Today

"This was probably the most challenging season of my career, both physically, mentally and spiritually, but it was also the most rewarding and most blessed," Rafalski said. "The decision was made between myself and my wife approximately two months ago. We went through a long process of weighing different factors in our lives. At the end of the day it came down to priorities, with the top three priorities being serving God, serving my family and serving others"

Seems like it's the same 3 reasons TT gave. Why is this an issue for Thomas and not Rafalski? Because Timmay doesn't like that black marxist in the White House?
- bruinsbeer69

TIMMAAAAAAAYY