The Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, have released Tuukka Rask from his professional tryout contract, paving the way for his return to the NHL.
The original plan for Rask, one of the best goalies in Bruins history with a franchise-record 306 wins, was to complete a short conditioning stint in the minors before rejoining Boston.
The AHL squad was scheduled to play last Friday and Sunday at home against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, though COVID-19 protocols led to both being postponed and rescheduled to April 11 and 19, delaying Rask’s return to game action.
Rask had said he only needed “one or two” games before he felt he’d be ready to come back to the Bruins, though it now appears he will be heading to the NHL without skating in the minors.
The 34-year-old Rask, who had off-season surgery that repaired a torn labrum in his hip, said he’s fully recovered from the procedure. The injury made it difficult for him to move around effectively in the crease.
In recent weeks, Rask has been seen skating at the Bruins’ practice facility, joining the team as an emergency backup when Linus Ullmark was absent with an illness.
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