Longtime Boston Bruins goaltender and unrestricted free agent Tuukka Rask could join the team’s practices and play for AHL affiliate Providence in January, if he chooses to re-sign with the NHL squad, head coach Bruce Cassidy says.
After spending 14 seasons in a Bruins uniform and becoming the franchise’s winningest goalie, Rask has not signed with an NHL team for the 2021-22 season. He has been practising with former teammates at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Mass.
Rask, 34, had surgery for a torn labrum in his hip in July and has been rehabbing since.
Following practice on Tuesday, Cassidy said there have been talks between team and goaltender about a new contract and potential return.
“There’s been preliminary discussions,” Cassidy told the media in a Zoom call. “The what-if game is tough, but he’s here, so we all know there is an interest on both sides. What develops down the road, how he fits into our cap, those are all questions for Donny (Sweeney).”
If re-signed, Rask would begin practising with Boston in the new year and could play for Providence.
“The plan would be to practice with us, and then yes at some point Providence would be an option. Practising and maybe some games down there,” said Cassidy.
“I would suspect you’ll see a guy here for a couple of weeks practising, when we go on the road, my guess is he’ll probably go to Providence that week because we just don’t have a lot of work to give him. And then when we get back, mid-January, where is he at? Is he ready to play?”
Rask finished last season with a 15-5-2 record, a 2.28 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. He was 6-4-0 in the playoffs with a 2.36 GAA and a .919 save percentage.
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