from Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated,

It’s not just a matter of whether Thomas can still play goal, although that’s a legitimate question for a 39-year-old who hasn’t faced an NHL shot since Apr. 25, 2012. Practicing yoga in between chopping wood probably kept him in shape, but that’s not the same as hockey shape. And it’s unreasonable to expect a team to assume the risk of a contract without seeing him in game action.

But the bigger issue for Thomas is fit. As in, finding a team that needs a goalie, can afford him financially, and provides a setting where he can be happy.

That team might not exist.

There was talk initially about the Flyers being interested because hey, they’re interested in everybody who has his own set of pads and stop a puck or two, but that deal is not happening. Philly is set between the pipes with free agent signee Ray Emery and Steve Mason, and the Flyers probably don’t have enough under the cap now to buy a Tim Thomas hockey card, let alone the real thing.

The Islanders were also said to be in the mix, but they could have tolled his contract and kept him if they were seriously interested. They’ve since re-signed Evgeni Nabokov and are committed to giving Kevin Poulin a chance to prove that he’s ready to assume a larger role. A sketchy combo to be sure, but the Isles are committed for now.

The opportunities vary from slim to none with the other playoff contenders. So would Thomas be willing to suit up for an also-ran?

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