Without Tim Thomas, will Boston go after Rick Nash?

[doniceage]

NEWARK – If you connect the dots, the possibility of Tim Thomas taking next season off could make the Boston Bruins the leading contender to land Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer.

Here’s why. When Thomas signed his four-year $20 million deal with the Bruins in 2009, he did so as a 35-year-old player, which means the Bruins must absorb his yearly cap hit every year of the contract regardless of whether he’s injured or retires before the deal expires. For that reason, the Bruins will have to take on his $5 million cap hit next season regardless of what Thomas decides.


http://www.thehockeynews.com/article...daily_20120602

[RGM81]

They don't really do a good job in there of explaining why Nash would be on the radar all of a sudden. Further, I doubt that any team is going to give up anything for a non-roster player even if it helps absorb a cap hit to reach the floor (if it still exists) - what is the incentive for any team out there to help the Bruins? Let them eat the $5M cap hit and effectively be handcuffed by that amount on next year's cap. Brian Burke's already done enough to boost Boston's fortunes, we don't need other GM's suddenly giving a helping hand.

[xelloss1012]

Just heard on HNIC that Thomas is not just taking the year off, but spouting about world economy issues. I'm wondering if Thomas is trying to become the team pariah? Also, I wonder of some provisions in the next CBA might be introduced due to what Thomas is doing?