ROMIE HITS THE POST: DON'T DOUBT TIM THOMAS primepucks.com Thu 9/19/13 3:49 PM

After taking last year off for whatever reason, goaltender Tim Thomas says that he is re-energized and now wants to play in the NHL again. Thomas reneged on his last contract year with Boston, and his rights were obtained by the New York Islanders.  They were unable to sign him and he became a free agent again. He is currently with Florida in a tryout mode to be one of their goaltenders, preferrably the starter.  At 39 years old, and with him not playing a game since Game 7 of the playoffs against the Capitals in the Spring of 2012, Thomas should be expected to be rusty.  That being said, he appears to be serious about returning to the NHL.  His career numbers are very impressive with a 2.48 goals against average, a .921 save percentage and 31 shutouts.  He was lights out for Boston in winning the Conn Smythe trophy as MVP and capturing the Stanley Cup in 2010-2011 while taking home the Vezina Trophy as well, beating Dominick Hasek's record for save percentage with a .938 SP.  Jacob Markstrom is expected to be the Panthers starting goalie this year, but in 23 games last year he had a 3.22 goals against and a .901 save percentage. Thomas could beat those numbers in his sleep.  It looks very tentative right now, but don't be suprised if Thomas becomes the starter.  The Panthers are not expected to be that good this year, but if Thomas can win the starting job he could be a decent second goalie option on your fantasy squad.  He may be worth a shot late in your draft.    Stick Saves: The New Jersey Devils recently announced that Martin Brodeur will be the starter for game one of this season. The Devils are in a bit of a predictament as Brodeur is a legendary goalie and holds just about every record in the books.  But lets look at reality;  General Manager Lou Lamorellio brought in Cory Schneider to be his goaltender for the next decade. Last year Schneider's save percentage was .927 while Brodeur's was .901.  At some point in time Lamorellio will have to make a decision and go with Schneider.  Hard to predict when that will happen, but it should be this year unless the Devils are totally out of it. As my father used to say; life is tough.  Schneider should end up a starter this year.