Unrestricted free agent goaltender Tim Thomas has been offered a professional tryout contract by the Florida Panthers, according to multiple reports. TSN's Bob McKenzie was the first to report on the development.
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports Markus Lehto stated that his client had yet to make any decisions regarding the 2013-14 regular season, but speculation about Thomas' plans for 2013-14 rose after ESPN's Craig Custance reported that Thomas could potentially decide on a new team by Tuesday.
According to Lehto, Thomas is interested in acting as a No. 1 goaltender. That likely wouldn't be the case in Florida as the team has 23-year-old goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who many have projected as Florida's starter this season. Backup goaltender Scott Clemmensen is expected to miss at least three weeks while recovering from a minor procedure, however, and manager Dale Tallon is reportedly looking at all options to ensure stability at the position.
One of those options includes unrestricted free agent Ilya Bryzgalov, according to Aaron Ward of TSN. Ward reported early on Wednesday that the Panthers have conducted internal discussions about offering Bryzgalov a PTO. TSN's Darren Dreger confirmed this report and the wording of his tweet indicates that a tryout offer has been submitted to Bryzgalov.
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