It’s the beginning of April. As the Presidents’ Trophy holders, the Boston Bruins should have been geared for another Stanley Cup playoff run. Instead, it’s a much distinct situation.
With the future being as uncertain as never before, the Bruins have to look up to the upcoming season(s).
The Bruins’ No. 1 netminder, Tuukka Rask, will finish his seven-year deal worth $7 million per season next year. Should this be his last season as a Bruin? And the last season as an NHL goaltender, as well? In an interview in February, Rask pondered his future, not ruling out a possible retirement.
This week, Rask took onto the radio show for WEEI and downplayed the possible rumors of his retirement. “I remember this interview if you can even call it an interview. This reporter asked me some questions right after practice when I was packing my bag and all I said was ‘my contract’s up so every option is on the table.’ I haven’t made any decision in any direction yet,” clarified the Bruins’ netminder.
“I’m sure we’re going to have good conversations with Sweens after this season and go from there. But I’m only 34 (when the contract expires), so it’s not too old, so I might play another year or two and then go from there,” Rask went further and didn’t rule out a potential contract extension.
Last season, Rask, spectacular in the playoffs, led the Bruins all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Bruins lost that game, but Rask showed he is still elite. Rask’s last game before the NHL’s suspension was a shutout performance in Philadelphia.
His .929 save percentage ranked second in the suspended NHL season. Possibly, Rask could have snagged his second career Vezina Trophy for the best regular-season netminder. For him, there is only one goal important: to be the best postseason performer.
In June 2021, when Rask’s current contract expires, the Finnish goalie will be 34. Tim Thomas won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins at the age of 37. For goaltenders, it’s never too late, obviously.
For anybody, with Rask being no exception, the health of himself and his family is the most important thing right now. How will the conversations about his new deal look like in 14 months? That’s secondary as of now.
