It's Tuukka Time again.
Goaltender Tuukka Rask signed a professional tryout agreement with the AHL's Providence Bruins, the team announced Thursday. Providence expects him to start on Friday.
Rask, who was an unrestricted free agent, had reiterated on several occasions that the only NHL team he'd play for is the Bruins.
The 34-year-old underwent surgery on a torn hip labrum in June and was expected at the time to be out until January, leading to the midseason signing.
Rask's potential arrival in Boston could cause a logjam between the pipes. Rookie Jeremy Swayman and veteran Linus Ullmark - who signed a four-year, $20-million contract as a UFA to essentially replace Rask - have formed a solid tandem for the Bruins this season.
| Goalie | Rec. | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swayman | 8-5-2 | 2.20 | .920 |
| Ullmark | 9-5-0 | 2.58 | .917 |
Swayman would not need to go through waivers if he was sent down to the AHL. Ullmark would.
Rask is Boston's all-time wins leader with 306 and ranks fourth in league history with a career .921 save percentage. The 2014 Vezina Trophy winner recorded a .913 save percentage in 24 games for the Bruins last season. He started 11 more contests in the playoffs while sporting a .919 save percentage.
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