Bruins’ Tuukka Rask Excited to Be Back in Boston

Yesterday, the Boston Bruins announced that they had reached a deal to keep goaltender Tuukka Rask in Boston. The deal is good for 8 years and a salary cap hit of $7 million. It might seem like a lot of money and a long time-frame, but the team feels that their young goaltender is worth it. After the playoff run the Bruins had this past year, many fans agree.

“[Tuukka] showed me patience, perseverance, hard work, work ethic in continuing to get better as a goaltender and he’s turned into an elite goaltender. We saw that this past spring, summer I guess too,” Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said. “As a result, we felt that we were ready to commit to him to a long term contract and he was ready to commit to us. We’re excited. He’s still a young player, especially as a goaltender, he’s still quite young. He’s really starting to reach his prime. Only better things will happen for him and the Bruins for years to come.

Since being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Rask has steadily improved. He has been with the Bruins organization since 2007 and now will extend that through the 2020-2021 season. During the 2009-2010 season, he and Thomas had split time between the pipes but he fell to back-up for the two seasons after that. His dedication to the organization and his development has not gone unnoticed.

“Well, I mean, looking back it’s been a lot of fun for sure. It hasn’t always been easy. I have been really passionate and I have set really high goals for myself,” Rask said. “I have really been happy about being with this Organization throughout these years and you know, really had great experiences. But then again, it hasn’t always been easy but who says it should be?”

Rask has never considered looking for a different team, not even during this off season. This new contract shows that the Bruins are as dedicated to Rask as he is to the team and to the city.

“As I’ve said all along I’ve enjoyed my time in Boston and I’ve never even considered playing on another team. I’m in a great situation right now that I have an opportunity to play with the Bruins throughout my whole career hopefully,” Rask said. “We all know it’s a huge honor to play for the Bruins and I’ve had such a great time throughout my years with the Bruins. I’m looking forward to keep that going and hopefully bring the Cup back to Boston where it belongs.”