Free agent goaltender Tuukka Rask remains on track to be game-ready early in 2022 and still hopes to play for the Boston Bruins this season.
ESPN play-by-play voice Sean McDonough provided an update on Rask's rehab during Friday afternoon's game between the Bruins and Rangers, which New York won 5-2.
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Rask's potential return to the Bruins remains one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the team.
Defensive breakdowns cost Bruins in 5-2 loss to Rangers
The veteran goalie had offseason surgery to repair a torn hip labrum that hampered him last season, including the Bruins' run in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His contract expired in July, and the Bruins have not ruled out the possibility of Rask returning at some point.
Free-agent addition Linus Ullmark and rookie Jeremy Swayman have been the goalie duo for Boston this season. Neither player has established himself as the clear cut No. 1 netminder, although Swayman has been a bit better than Ullmark. The Bruins rank 31st out of 32 teams with a .905 save percentage at 5-on-5, per Natural Stat Trick.
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Rask, if healthy, would likely still be a quality goalie. He finished second in Vezina Trophy voting as recently as the 2019-20 campaign. If the Bruins' goaltending remains mediocre or slightly above average, then the team should seriously consider signing Rask whenever he's ready to return in the New Year.