Bruins Ink Thomas

It looks like the Bruins have chosen their number one goalie for the coming season, but it really was a no-brainer. Tim Thomas has reportedly signed a new 3-year deal, which will pay him $5.2 million per season. This looks to be one of the better pro-cap deals made of late, as the new salary should jive with both market value and future economic status.

With 33 wins, 4 shutouts and an assist this season, Thomas has 75 pool points, which has him in the top 30 pool players. Other goalies on this list, who are not on one of their first contracts (Steve Mason & Cam Ward) have cap hits in the $6 million range, if not better (Roberto Luongo & Henrik Lundqvist). This is a savvy move by Bruins' management now, as the length of the deal could see Thomas as an unrestricted free agent with a market upswing in progress.

By my estimation today, the Bruins have 16 players now signed on for next season and have it all at $48.5 million (rounded up), which should bode well down the stretch. David Krejci and Phil Kessel are key restricted free agents this summer, but they are also good trade bait at the draft, which should make Boston an interesting player in the off-season.

UPDATE: Thomas' deal is now reportedly for 4 years and worth $20 million in total, a $5 million cap hit.

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