Tim Thomas is worth the risk for the Panthers

Thomas was one of the best goalies in the NHL when he walked away from the game last year.

Gene J. Puskar/AP

Thomas's comeback may not work, of course. Any player, especially a goalie who has been away from the game for a year, has a lot of rust to get rid of. Thomas may never return to the form that made him the best in the game. But even if he is a few notches below that level this time around, he would be a significant upgrade for a Panthers team in desperate need of a proven goalie. This is only a test, but the upside is huge.