Tuukka Rask Not Expected To Return

According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask's comeback attempt is likely over, and the veteran could announce his retirement within the next few days.

Tuukka Rask's comeback is not expected to continue. https://t.co/tpXfMxqxUr
— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) February 9, 2022

Rask last played during January 24th's contest against the Anaheim Ducks. The 34-year-old has been dealing with discomfort in his hip. This is understandably concerning, as he of course had surgery on his hip during the offseason. After months of rehabbing, he signed his one-year, $1 million contract with the Bruins back in January with the expectation that he was healed. In his four games with the Bruins this season, he has a 2-2-0 record, 4.29 goals-against average, and .844 save percentage.

When it was first revealed that Rask was dealing with another injury, head coach Bruce Cassidy noted that he was deemed as day-to-day. Then, Cassidy suddenly told reporters that he wouldn't be back until at least after the All-Star break. It was then announced that he wouldn't skate for the rest of this week, so perhaps this latest development is something we could have seen coming.

If this truly marks the end of Rask's career, he had himself a fantastic one. In 564 appearances, all with the Bruins, he has a 308-165-66 record, 2.28 goals-against average, and .921 save percentage. With that, he won the Vezina Trophy in 2014, William M. Jennings Trophy in 2020, and was a two-time All-Star.

Alas, for now, we will just have to wait for Rask's final decision to be announced.