|
I sure as hell wouldn't bet against Tim Thomas |
|
|
|
|
|
All indications are Tim Thomas will make a decision today and likely join the Florida Panthers. The Canucks are also an option, as is a KHL team...but Thomas wants to play and start in the NHL.
Thomas sat out last year after suffering from serious burn out, but it's not hard to remember it was only three seasons ago that Thomas put together what most consider the best season an NHL goalie has ever had. Winning the Vezina, the Conn Smythe and of course the Stanley Cup.
The next year found Tim in a controversial spot when he refused to go to the White House...a decision he felt strongly about and a move he defended on Facebook, but the Internet didn't take well to it...
Not opening up that discussion, but whether or not you believe it was the right move you can't live in the United States and say Thomas didn't have the right to make the move. As far as people go, Thomas is a great person who takes care of many others and really believes in family. Someday the press may be able to write more about that, but only if Tim wants that out there...and knowing Tim it's pretty unlikely to ever come out.
In some ways the White House put Timmy into the much more comfortable position for him. That of the underdog...and THAT is a place Thomas knows well..a place where Thomas actually thrives, so in this forum I find it way more interesting to discuss Thomas the goalie. Let me just say, as a goalie myself, Tim Thomas is my favorite. As Bernie Parent once said, "most goalies these days make the puck hit them, we made saves." Thomas makes saves.
Tim Thomas became an NHL goalie in as unconditional way as the old-time standup style he plays. Tim didn't come from money in Davison, Michigan and four very solid years at University of Vernont found him drafted 217th overall by the Quebec Nordiques. Yes the Nordiques.
And from that point forward Thomas making the NHL became a road with nothing but road blocks. He started his first year pro in 1997 in the ECHL, then the IHL, but he wasnt playing so he for Finland mid-season and end the year playing 18 games for HIFK putting together an insane .947 save percentage en route to winning the Finnish Championship.
That led to the Oilers signing him and putting him in the AHL, only to lose interest and mid season again Thomas headed back to Finland..again Tim was unbelievable and took HIFK to the Final.
From there it was back to the IHL then a stint in Sweden until Boston signed him and Tim spent two years in Providence, got a taste of the NHL and was just about to get a real NHL shot when the lockout of 2004 hit. It would have been extremely easy for Thomas to get down, but instead he headed back to Finland where he had the best season any SM-liiga goalie has ever known...playing 54 games with a save percentage close to .950 and setting a Finnish record getting 13 shutouts.
So the lockout ends and you'd figure the Bruins would be ready to really back Thomas as their guy, but it took injuries to Raycroft and Toivanen to see Thomas get time and although he went only 12-13-7 for a very average Bruins team he showed spectacular moments that would foreshadow things to come...and he was becoming a fan favorite for his humble manner and honest interviews.
The next year Thomas signed his first multi-year deal, but the Bruins still made him the backup behind Toivanen until Timmy won the job.
The next year, we are in 2007 at this point, looked to be Tim's year. Until the Bruins surprisingly inked Manny Fernandez from the Wild on UFA day. On Opening day, at the age of 33, Tim Thomas was once again a backup..but it didn't last long...When Manny Fernandez was hurt Tim took over and went on to play in the NHL All-star game (as a replacement for Brodeur) and actually got credited with the win.
The next season he was finally the Bruins starter, and went to another All-star game (as selected this time) and in 2009 signed his first big contract and, oh by the way, won the Vezina, then of course two years later again won the Vezina and everything else you can win..
What many don't know is the Bruins almost dealt Thomas prior to the epic 2011 season because of concern over his age, health, and cap number...
Fast forward to me sitting a few feet from Tim in Vancouver as he sat next to the beautiful Conn Smythe asking him, "after all this crazy journey back and forth to Finland this must be rewarding, right?"
Tim smiled and responded in his typically understated way, "Well yeh, but I loved Finland. I loved the people I played for, the fans, everything. If I were still playing there I would be very happy too."
Spoken like a guy with more perspective than he is given credit for following the White House. All I can say is whatever he decides to do here...I wouldn't want to be the one saying "Tim Thomas can't get it done."
Join the Discussion:
»