The real reason why Tim Thomas is done with the Bruins

Much has been made of the Tim Thomas snub of the Bruins's meet and greet with President Obama.

I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.
This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.
Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.
This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT

So now everyone knows that Thomas is Tea Party supporter (= Free Citizen). Sure he has pissed off his teammates and disappointed Bruins management. Many Americans are flabbergasted.

The Boston Globe did a piece on Thomas suggesting his teammates never liked him. He's depicted as standoffish, mostly friendless, and possessed of certain beliefs that he feels particularly strong about. It's suggested that he has worn out his welcome in Boston.

The truth is that the Bruins likely planned to move him at the end of this season all along. The Bruins signed him to a 4-year contract in 2009 with a cap hit of $5 million. The first 3 years have a no-trade provision which ends this summer. Also the final year salary drops to $3 million so he becomes very attractive to teams at the minimum salary floor. He is also 37 years old.

Meanwhile Tuukka Rask who is 24 and also an excellent goalie waiting to take over the starting job. He is currently making $1.5 million and becomes a UFA this summer. Signing him will be easier if he knows he will be the starter next season.

All the noise about noise about government out of control and the Constitution is not likely new to his teammates. So the Bruins will tolerate Thomas for several more months and perhaps ride him to another Stanley Cup.