As per to Steve Conroy of The Boston Herald, it’s possible goaltender Tuukka Rask doesn’t play for the Providence Bruins of the AHL when all is said and done this season. It was expected that his signing a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) deal there meant the veteran netminder might get games before eventually signing with the Boston Bruins, but coach Bruce Cassid hinted that things might have changed.
Related: Rask to Get Games With Providence Bruins, Signing Likely
This is not to say the Bruins are rethinking the idea of signing Rask. Instead, the goaltender may jump right into NHL duty, especially since the Providence games have been postponed. Cassidy noted that it hasn’t been determined if Rask will play in any AHL games.
Rask has still been practicing with the AHL Bruins and was with the team Monday morning. Obviously, Rask didn’t travel with the Boston Bruins for their two-game road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Capitals.
“Right now I can’t give you a definitive plan. He’s practicing and we’ll try to get him some game action whenever we can. He might have to start playing here and miss some assignments in Providence. We’ll have to come to that decision this week when we get back.”
What About Shaking Off the Rust?
While one could make an argument that Rask could see some on-ic rust become part of the equation if he jumps right into the NHL, it shouldn’t take long for the veteran to get back into the swing of things. He’s played for far too long and been far too effective for extended time away to be a factor for long.
The Bruins aren’t likely all that worried about it. Rask is Rask and with Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman around to help, the Bruins are covered in the event that he’s not perfect upon his return.
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