(SB Nation) -- Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas may take a year off from hockey, according to team general manager Peter Chiarelli, speaking on a conference call Friday afternoon.

A report from CSN New England earlier this week confirmed Thomas moved his family to Colo. earlier in the season, which seems in line with this news. The 38-year-old would leave the Bruins with his $5 million cap hit for the 2012-13 season, and Chiarelli told the media on his call that the team would suspend him for the season should he take off.

The move could be family oriented for Thomas.

"He's cares deeply about his family and that's what he's focusing on above everything else," said forward Daniel Paille.

Should Thomas leave the Bruins, they'll be fine at the goalie position with young Tuukka Rask, who's already proven his worth at the NHL level and has been tagged as Thomas' eventual replacement anyhow. Rask is a restricted free agent this summer.

Yet the move could really hurt the Bruins in payroll department. Even if Thomas were to retire, the goaltender would still count against the cap for the 2012-13 season at $5 million since he signed his contract after the age of 35.