By: Ryan Duffy | Follow Me On Twitter @Rduffy26
It’s official! The Boston Bruins winningest goaltender (306-163-66) in franchise history, Tuukka Rask, is returning to Beantown for another kick at the can. After being released by the Providence Bruins from his PTO on Friday morning, Rask later signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Bruins for the remainder of the 2022 season. Due to Rask signing his contract mid-way through the season, he will be making $545k at the end of the NHL season.
The Bruins’ goaltender hasn’t seen NHL action since June 9, 2021, in the second round of the 2020-21 playoffs, where the New York Islanders eliminated Boston in six games. After being eliminated, the Bruins organization announced in June that the 34-year-old goaltender underwent successful hip surgery in the offseason.
Rask posted a 15-5-2 record in the 2021 regular season with a 2.28 GAA and a .913 save percentage. The Bruins goaltender is ranked second all-time in save percentage in NHL history with a career .921 save percentage. He also has the most games played by a goaltender in Bruins franchise history.
Rask signed his PTO deal with Providence last Thursday because the Bruins had initially planned for Rask to get acclimated to game speed in the AHL. Due to the continuing troubles of COVID for the Providence Bruins, Rask has been unable to participate in any AHL action. With Rask being signed by Boston today, Bruins’ management will likely be sending Jeremy Swayman back down to the AHL at some point where he will be the starter for Providence.
Rask is expected to play over the next three games for the Bruins as they face off against the Montreal Canadiens (Wednesday), Philadelphia Flyers (Thursday), and the Nashville Predators (Saturday).
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