Tim Thomas will sit out 2012-2013 NHL season

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas announced on his Facebook page that he will take next season off. (Brian Babineau, Getty Images) One of the NHL's best

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas announced on his Facebook page that he will take next season off. (Brian Babineau, Getty Images)

One of the NHL's best goaltenders will take next season off. Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas posted on his Facebook page that he plans to sit out the 2012-2013 NHL season to focus on what he calls "the three F's."

From the earliest age I can remember, I've wanted to be a hockey player. I've been blessed in my life to not only be able to live that dream, but to achieve more than I ever thought possible.

The singleminded focus that is necessary to accomplish a dream of this magnitude entails (by necessity) sacrifice in other areas and relationships in life.

At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three F's.

Friends, Family, and Faith.

This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year.

Thomas has one year remaining on his contract with the Boston Bruins - one that will count $5 million against the NHL salary cap whether Thomas plays or not. The Bruins can either trade Thomas or "toll" his contract so the last year carries over to the 2013-2014 season, according to the Canadian Press' Chris Johnston via The Sporting News.