Rask signs PTO with Bruins' AHL team, expects to be back in NHL soon

It's Tuukka Time again.

Goaltender Tuukka Rask signed a professional tryout agreement with the AHL's Providence Bruins, the team announced Thursday.

Providence initially expected him to start on Friday against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, but that contest, as well as Sunday's matchup, got postponed due to COVID-19 issues. Providence's next game isn't until Jan. 14.

Prior to the postponements, Rask said he believed he'd only need one or two games in the minors before signing a new contract to return to the Boston Bruins.

"We have a plan in place, so it shouldn't be an issue," Rask said. "I'm planning on playing tomorrow (in Providence), we'll see about Sunday, and then moving forward next week, I should be with the big guys."

Rask isn't concerned about money on his next NHL deal.

"I'm not looking for a big contract," Rask said. "I just want to come and help out the guys and do my part."

Rask, who was an unrestricted free agent, had reiterated on several occasions that the Bruins are the only NHL team he'd play for.

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. He practiced with the Bruins in recent months while rehabbing the injury.

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.

Swayman would not need to go through waivers if he was sent down to the AHL, though Ullmark would.

"Having one net for three goaltenders, if that's the case, it will be a challenge, but we'll figure it out," head coach Bruce Cassidy said Thursday.

Cassidy added that he spoke with Swayman and Ullmark at the beginning of the season about Rask's plan, and both netminders took it well.

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, sporting a .919 save percentage.

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