Tuukka Rask’s return to the Boston Bruins may be postponed after two American Hockey League games he was scheduled to play this weekend were canceled.
On Thursday, the 34-year-old unrestricted free agent signed a professional tryout deal with Bruins’ AHL affiliate in Providence, estimating that he will be ready to play in the NHL in 1-2 games. The AHL stated later that Providence’s games against Lehigh Valley on Friday and Sunday had been canceled due to COVID-19 issues surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers’ affiliate. The next game for Providence is on January 14.
Tuukka Rask Signs An AHL Tryout Contract
Bruce Cassidy, Bruins coach, said he spoke with Ullmark and Swayman about Rask’s plans before the fresh season, suggesting that Tuukka Rask would recuperate at the team’s establishments and had a schedule for a return. He soon became a full participant in Boston’s full routines, where he faced live shooters.
Tuukka Rask revealed he has not discussed their unusual circumstance with either goaltender. Cassidy would not rule out the possibility of the Bruins utilizing all 3 goaltenders but said that relegating Swayman to The American Hockey League may be the simplest answer because he would not have to clear waivers.
Tuukka is Boston’s highest-scoring goaltender. In 2014, he triumphed in the Vezina Trophy and the NHL’s best goaltender, and in 2020, he was a runner-up. He has appeared in more than a hundred playoff tournaments for the Bruins, taking his team to the coveted Stanley Cup Final on two occasions, once in 2013 and then again in 2019.
Tuukka Rask said he wanted to return for another chance at the Stanley Cup with forwards Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, his Boston teammates for more than a decade. Rask was the backup to Tim Thomas when the Bruins won the Cup in 2011, then was the No. 1 goalie when they reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2013, a six-game loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, and in 2019, a seven-game loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Tuukka Rask repeated that he is not looking for a big-money contract and said he’s not contemplated his playing career beyond this season.
