In a baffling move prior to tonight’s game, the Islanders acquired former Bruins’ netminder Tim Thomas for a conditional second round pick. The 38-year old American is sitting out this season.

A two-time Vezina recipient and Conn Smythe winner who backstopped Boston to a Stanley Cup in ’13, it’s uncertain if Thomas will report to the Islanders. What the move does is allow the franchise to reach the cap floor. He’s in the final year of a contract that pays him $5 million. It still counts on the Bruins cap due to Thomas being over 35. The cap hit counts towards the Islanders payroll.

“We have acquired an asset for our organization,” Islanders GM Garth Snow told reporters. “This acquisition allows us flexibility with our roster moving forward.”

“He had a very good career here,” Boston GM Peter Chiarelli praised. “I can’t say enough of his contributions to the team. The journey he took us on in the Stanley Cup was amazing. I was happy to be along for the ride.”

It’s fairly obvious that Thomas will never be an Islander. At the very least, Snow could opt to deal his rights before he hits the market this summer. It’s anyone’s guess if he’ll ever comeback. He’s still a quality netminder who can help a contender. No one knows what his intentions are. For now at least, Thomas is on the Islanders roster.