It’s “Not Bruins or Bust” for Tuukka Rask Says NHL Insider

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was asked during his latest appearance on The Jeff Marek Show if goaltender Tuukka Ras is destined to play with the Boston Bruins this season. More than that, Marek wanted to know if only the Bruins had a shot at the veteran netminder considering the player’s comments that he’d like to come back to his former team and that money wouldn’t/shouldn’t be an issue.

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Friedman gave a surprising answer. “I don’t think it’s Boston or bust,” said the NHL insider. Considering fans have been quick to shut down any talk of Rask going anywhere other than the Bruins if he returns to the NHL — which many believe he will in the first part of 2022 — this development is a bit of a shock. Friedman added that he checked in on Rask’s situation and noted about the Bruins being the only real option, “At least that’s not the information that I’ve heard.” 

Friedman did acknowledge that the Bruins are certainly Rask’s preference. “I’ve just heard the Bruins remain his No. 1 priority,” he said before adding “we’ll see what happens”.

The reason Marek asked the question was twofold. First, he wanted to know if the reports that Rask would only join the Bruins were true. Second, he wanted to know if a team like the Edmonton Oilers would be an interesting destination for the veteran goalie. Considering the uncertainty surrounding the Oilers and Mike Smith’s health issues, Edmonton could use a rental with some experience.

Oilers Have Bigger Concerns

For now, the Oilers might have bigger fish to fry as they lost Darnell Nurse to an injury on Thursday evening and Rask is still months away from a potential return. The Oilers have to ensure they can keep their strong record in tact without the use of their biggest minute-munching defenseman and without a lot of replacement options on that left side.

The Oilers depth on defense was already a bit of an issue and without Nurse, it becomes their top priority.

Not only that but if Rask is actually available and doesn’t work something out with the Bruins, there will be plenty of teams interested in acquiring his services for a potential playoff run.

Next: Broberg Called Up by Oilers, Darnell Nurse Out a Few Weeks with Injury