Neely doesn't anticipate trading Thomas or Rask

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BOSTON -- While there is mounting speculation and expectations that the Bruins will move Tim Thomas this offseason after a less-than-stellar regular season and playoff, Bruins president Cam Neely isnt indulging in any of the trade chatter.

Neely expressed satisfaction Thursday in the goaltending tandem of 38-year-old Thomas and 25-year-old Tuukka Rasks.

Were very happy with our goalies. We have two strong goalies in both Tim and Tuukka, said Neely. I think a lot of teams are probably envious of what we have here. Its an area were we feel pretty comfortable.

The Bruins finished sixth in the NHL with 2.43 goals allowed per game and a surprising seventh with a .919 save percentage, after leading the league in both categories heading into January. Thomas also welcomed plenty of criticism inside and outside the organization when he skipped a team ceremony at the White House in late January while hitting the goaltending skids for two months after Christmas.

Neely doesn't believe one had anything to do with the other, and there is every likelihood it was simply an aging goaltending paying the price for playing 82 games in the regular season and playoffs the season prior.

I dont think it had an effect," said Neely, though he added, "only Thomas can answer that.

"I dont think any of us expected him to have the same numbers as he did last year. That was a world-class year. It would be really hard to expect him to have the same numbers. With the White House thing, I know some people would like to hang their hat on that. But knowing Timmys personality, I dont think it affected him all that much.

The 38-year-old Thomas was forced to play 16 games in a row in March and April while filling in for an injured Rask, and ranked 11th among playoff goaltenders with his .922 save percentage during the playoffs. Given the political distractions, Thomas age, his 5 million cap hit and the fact his no-trade protection dissolves as of July 1, the expectation is that the veteran goaltender could be moved if the Bruins look to upgrade their team offense.

So nobody knows for sure if the Bruins are genuinely comfortable with their goaltending situation or if their public expressions of satisfaction are a diversion for trade exploration this summer.

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