February 7, 2013
Snow: Acquiring Thomas gives Isles roster flexibility
by Christian Arnold/Correspondent
Tim Thomas won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for the Bruins in 2011. (Getty Images)
The Islanders have acquired goaltender Tim Thomas from the Boston Bruins for a second round pick, according to multiple reports.
The trade, which was first reported by Hockeybuzz.com, sends the rights for the controversial goaltender to the Islanders. In exchange they will send a conditional second round pick in either the 2014 or 2015 draft.
Newsday’s Arthur Staple notes the move is most likely a salary cap related swap in order to keep the Isles from falling below the cap floor. Thomas carries a $5 million salary cap hit.
“We have acquired an asset for our organization,” Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. “This acquisition allows us flexibility with our roster moving forward.”
Thomas helped lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011 and posted a 2.36 goals against average and .921 save percentage in the 2011-12 season. But Thomas created controversy after skipping the Bruins visit to the White House due to political reasons.
And after last season, he told the Bruins he would be taking a year off from hockey.
Another stipulation to the deal is it requires Thomas to actually suit up for the Islanders. Otherwise, the Bruins will not receive the second round pick.
Christian Arnold can be reached at feedback@nyhockeyjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @CA_NYHockey.
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