Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Tuukka Rask released from pro tryout, NHL contract looms

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Zach Laing | Last updated 1/11/22

The Providence Bruins released goaltender Tuukka Rask from his professional tryout, but he might not be out of a role for long.

Rask inked a deal there last week but didn’t appear in a game. According to his agent Markus Lehto, an NHL contract is in the works.

Tuukka Rask is released from his PTO.

Agent Markus Lehto on Rask's pending NHL contract: "Soon."
— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) January 11, 2022

Over the weekend, Boson Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said he was unsure of the goaltender's next steps.

“To be honest, I’m not sure when he’s going to play,” Cassidy said ahead of Saturday's game against Tampa Bay. “So right now I can’t give you the definitive plan. He’s practicing, and we’ll try to get him in some game action wherever we can. He might have to start playing here and miss some assignments in Providence.”

The 34-year-old has been working his way back from hip surgery, and it appears he is close to rejoining the Bruins.

Drafted by Toronto in the first round of the 2005 draft, Rask has only played for Boston over his storied 14-year career. In 560 games, he’s posted a 206-163-66 record, a .921 sav percentage and a 2.27 goals-against average.

Not only would he be a boost on the ice for a B’s team vying for playoff positioning, but he would undoubtedly be an off-ice boost, too.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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