Slumping Thomas can take solace in $2.5M payday

By TIM WHARNSBY -- Toronto Sun
If his slump continues, Steve Thomas may be removed from the Maple Leafs' first line. But the hard-working, likable veteran, who has just one goal in 23 games, has a spot with the team next season.

Thomas, in the second year of a two-year contract, is a virtual lock to reach two lucrative bonuses, one of which would kick in the option for a third season in Toronto.

If Thomas, 36, can score 40 goals or 100 points combined from his two seasons, the club option for $2.5 million US next season becomes Thomas' option, something he likely wouldn't thumb his nose at.

If Thomas plays a combined 120 games, he cashes in a $500,000 bonus.

In 101 games since signing with the Leafs as an unrestricted free agent in July 1998, the right winger has 29 goals and 87 points.

Thomas, however, is not thinking about bonuses at this stage of the season. He is trying to break out of a goal-scoring slump. Thomas, who is on pace for a four-goal season, has gone through slumps before, but nothing this prolonged.

"Every morning when I get it up I think it is going to be better," Thomas said. "When you are in a bit of funk, nothing feels right. Your stick feels too heavy. Your skates don't fit right."

A solution would be for general manager/coach Pat Quinn to move Thomas off the No. 1 line. Quinn, however, has no plans for such a move. He would rather see Thomas, Mats Sundin and Jonas Hoglund work through it.

Has the line really been performing that poorly? Although the Leafs are 3-5-2 in the 10 games since Sundin returned from a fracture in his right ankle, the captain has five goals and nine points, Hoglund has four goals and eight points and Thomas has six assists.

"We look in the standings and we are fine there," Sundin said.

"We need a sense of urgency in our game. We have to start winning the games we should."

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