This is surely not the way Tuukka Rask wanted his NHL career to end.
According to a report from Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, Rask is reportedly contemplating retirement due to a nagging injury. The long-time Boston Bruins goaltender had hip surgery in the summer and made his return to the team in January, but played just four games before going back on injured reserve.
Rask last played on January 24, a game in which he gave up five goals against the Anaheim Ducks.
That Rask is considering retirement in this way at just 34-years-old is such a huge shame. Rask is very likely the Bruins’ greatest goaltender of all time, having the most wins (308) of any goalie in franchise history. Not only that, Rask was the back up to the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup victory and helped backstop the team to two more Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2013 and 2019.
Though Rask tried to come back after his hip surgery, even signing a one-year contract in January to rejoin the team, he is reportedly still feeling discomfort from going under the knife. Hockey fans were heartbroken for Rask upon learning this news Tuesday night, as a retirement announcement reportedly could come within the next few days.
