ESPN - "Thomas signed to extension"
Matthew Barnaby and John Buccigross reported on Sportcenter that Tim Thomas has signed a contract extension. The deal is expected to be announced this weekend. No further details were given.
UPDATE: Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe has confirmed Thomas and the Bruins have reached an agreement for an extension. Dupont claims the deal is similar to Martin Brodeur, arguably the best goaltender in the league. Brodeur makes $5.2 million this season.
If Dupont's report is correct then this contract my hurt the Bruins in the long run. $5 million for a goaltender who is turning 35 next week may be a bit of an over payment. Tuuka Rask is expected to be the backup next season, however his cap hit is $3.2 million due to rookie incentives. The Bruins will only have 7-8 million in cap space to sign David Krejci, Phil Kessel, and Matt Hunwick, all of whom are restricted free agents. They would also need to fill voids left by Stephane Yelle and P.J. Axelsson. If the Bruins wish to resign their key players then Chiarelli will have to move a larger salary to fit everyone under the decreasing cap. Aaron Ward ($2.5 million), Marco Sturm($3.5 million + LTC), and Patrice Bergeron($4.75 million) may be possible contracts Chiarelli looks to move. However, injury issues usually arise with those players. The best possibility may lie in Chuck Kobasew ($2.2 million), who would fetch the most in return, especially with back to back 20 goal seasons.
UPDATE: Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe has confirmed Thomas and the Bruins have reached an agreement for an extension. Dupont claims the deal is similar to Martin Brodeur, arguably the best goaltender in the league. Brodeur makes $5.2 million this season.
If Dupont's report is correct then this contract my hurt the Bruins in the long run. $5 million for a goaltender who is turning 35 next week may be a bit of an over payment. Tuuka Rask is expected to be the backup next season, however his cap hit is $3.2 million due to rookie incentives. The Bruins will only have 7-8 million in cap space to sign David Krejci, Phil Kessel, and Matt Hunwick, all of whom are restricted free agents. They would also need to fill voids left by Stephane Yelle and P.J. Axelsson. If the Bruins wish to resign their key players then Chiarelli will have to move a larger salary to fit everyone under the decreasing cap. Aaron Ward ($2.5 million), Marco Sturm($3.5 million + LTC), and Patrice Bergeron($4.75 million) may be possible contracts Chiarelli looks to move. However, injury issues usually arise with those players. The best possibility may lie in Chuck Kobasew ($2.2 million), who would fetch the most in return, especially with back to back 20 goal seasons.
posted by Pekese at 12:01 AM
5 Comments:
This is great, but I would have like to see them sign the extension after playoffs. Ah well, how can I argue? This is what I expected, and wanted.
Best news of the day!!! Thomas & Rask, I love it!!
vince m
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2009/04/thomas_inks_new.html
5.2 million?! timmy's great-- don't get me wrong, but he isn't brodeur...they need to save some cash for Rask.....not to mention Kessel & Krejci
your right, hes better than Brodeur !! NJ have had a defense dont forget. There allowing more than 30 shots a game lately and Brodeur has bailed them out, oh no, he hasnt!!!!!
i bet thomas won't get more than 3.8 mil...
i have a strong feeling that sturm is gonzo. b's don't need him at the moment, and probably not in the future. as much as i like kessel, i won't be too sad if he leaves...hot and cold.
you're right though...let's focus on this season! i'm sure chia will pull something off for the next year...and i bet thomas is playing much better now that he knows his future is secure (or he shits the bed like zhamnov in contract years)
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