Thomas' explanation on his Facebook page leaves even more question marks with his decision.
View full sizeBruins goalie Tim Thomas has gone from a hero to the center of controversy and puzzlement in Boston.So by now you've heard the bizarre news regarding Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas.
Thomas officially announced on his Facebook page Sunday that he will indeed take next season off, which is the final of his four-year, $20 million contract.
"At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three F's.
Friends, Family, and Faith.
This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year."
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli expressed his disappointment during a conference call Friday, but was at a loss for words when asked if he knew why Thomas would do this.
How do Bruins fans feel about all of this?
Angry? Confused? Sad? Outraged?
As this story continues to unfold no one does know exactly why Thomas is doing this.
He said he wants to train for the 2014 Winter Olympics. So he's going to take a season off from the NHL to train for Olympics?
He said fatigue was a factor in his decision.
If that's the case, why not gracefully retire and not create another controversy filled with speculation, rumors, and unanswered questions?
Thomas, 38, clearly stated that his family was a big part of making his decision and it's hard to condemn him for that, but the rest of his Facebook post goes off into a different direction.
On top of this, I will continue to train using the ARP/POV system www.ultrafitevosport.com and work with G-Form www.g-form.com in the development of protective equipment.
What does this portend for the future?
We'll see….God's will be done.
Do Bruins fans really care who Tim Thomas going to be working with on his preparations for the Olympics?
Some believe this move was sparked by a contract issue.
Others think it's his way of getting back at the organization for using him as trade bait two seasons ago before the team's Stanley Cup championship.
Has Tim Thomas really held a grudge against the Bruins for the last two seasons and is still so outraged that he's willing to stick it to them now?
Another view is Thomas doesn't want to be dealt after his no-trade clause expires on July 1, but then you have the opposite being said that he wants out of Boston.
Is this crazy?
With the media desperately searching for answers, The Boston Globe got in touch with Thomas' agent, Bill Zito and reported that seeking a trade or contract extension has nothing to do with taking next year off, but declined to discuss any specifics.
"It didn’t have anything to do with a contract or trade," Zito said who's been Thomas's agent for the last 15 years. “It did not."
Is there something bigger here that we're all missing?
Maybe we'll never know for sure. What we do know for now is that Tuukka Rask will be the No. 1 goalie for the 2012-13 season, but no one thought it would happen this way.