The Bruins' reaction to Tim Thomas potentially stepping away from the team for the entire year has been fairly uniform over the last week. So it was no surprise that B's captain Zdeno Chara took a similarly thoughtful stance when asked about his wayward goaltender.
Chara was on Nite Cap with Josh Rimer, a radio TV show on nextsportstar.com on Thursday night and was queried about the Thomas situation.
I havent had a chance to talk with Timmy yet. It is tough news, but its important to him, said Chara. If he sits out the whole year, thats his decision. We have to respect that.
There are still plenty of if qualifiers bandied about when it comes to Thomas' plans. The 38-year-old goaltender has to yet to officially pronounce himself out for the 2012-13 hockey season despite the rampant reports, and that calls plenty into question.
There was no finality to his infamous Facebook post aside from an earnest message about friendly, family and faith followed by a clumsy ad for the exercise equipment hell be using to stay in shape during his time away from the NHL.
It appears to a man Thomas teammates are being respectful of his personal situation.
But theyre also ready to move on given the uncertainty surrounding his desire to continue playing for the Bruins.