Tuukka Rask provides update on health, status
Free agent goaltender Tuukka Rask provided an update on his recovery and his status with the Bruins.
Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins looks on during action against the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesUnder the knife earlier this summer and last seen on crutches at Fenway Park during the ballpark's recent concert series, free agent goaltender Tuukka Rask appears to be ahead of schedule from his offseason hip surgery.
“I’m two to three more weeks away from working out,” Rask said in an appearance for the 2021 Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon. “[The surgery] was really good. It was perfect, they fixed everything they wanted to.
“I’d be ready to go probably around Christmastime, January.”
This is a slight change from original projections from the Bruins, which had Rask expected to be fully recovered in late January, or perhaps February. That improved timeline could make a world of difference for the Bruins, who committed $20 million to Linus Ullmark earlier this summer, too, should Rask return for a 15th season with Boston.
Rask, of course, has made it clear that he's only coming back in 2021-22 if it's with the Bruins.
And the 34-year-old netminder reaffirmed that Wednesday, noting that Boston is his home, that money will not be an issue on his next deal, and that this is the only place he's focused on when it comes to continuing his career.
"I feel the Bruins are my home, Boston is my home," Rask said. "I feel like it would be a shame to try and chase something dollar-wise or trophy-wise when you have a chance to finish business with the same group.”
The B's, for what it's worth, have also left the door open for Rask to return next year. In fact, it almost sounds like that's definitely the plan, even with Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman slated to begin the year as Boston's duo.
"I think we’re on the same page," said Rask. "So, we’ll see how my rehab goes and hopefully sign a contract.”
Rask is coming off a 2021 season that featured with a 15-5-2 record and .913 save percentage during the regular season, and six wins and .919 save percentage in 11 postseason contests.
Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.
