Chiarelli confirms Tim Thomas contemplating taking year off

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed on Friday that goaltender Tim Thomas has considered taking the 2012-13 season off.

"He's cares deeply about his family and that's what he's focusing on above everything else," Chiarelli said via conference call.  In addition, when asked about a contingency plan should the former Vezina and Conn Smythe Trophy Trophy winner decide to take a sabbatical, Chiarelli said that he would be more than satisfied with Tuukka Rask and Anton Khodubin as his netminders for next season.

The 38-year-old has one year left on a deal that will pay him $3 million with a $5 million cap hit. Thomas' no-trade clause will end on July 1st.

Thomas went 35-19-1 with a 2.36 goals against average and a .920 save percentage in 59 games with the Bruins this season.