Tuukka RaskHe has announced his official retirement from the NHL.
On Wednesday, Boston’s long-serving netminder issued a lengthy statement via social media calling it a career after fifteen seasons. After rumors that Rask had given up on his comeback attempt last month, the news comes just one day after it was reported.
The 34-yearold was an unrestricted, free agent during the summer. He chose to have hip surgery in order to allow him to return to action. Rask was able start skating again in November. He signed a $1,000,000 contract with Boston for a one year on Jan. 11.
He supported the Bruins to a win of 3-2 over the Philadelphia FlyersIn his season debut, he didn’t openly admit to any discomfort or pain afterwards. However, the grind of yet another NHL campaign soon took its toll. After allowing five goals on 12 shots, Rask was removed from his next start. Carolina HurricanesBut, she did manage to win another victory over them Winnipeg Jets.
Rask’s situation started to get worse from that point, and he was forced to take a second backup position. Linus UllmarkBefore being removed completely from the lineup before the NHL All-Star break. Boston believed that Rask could still help them through the second half if they got some rest.
Rask said in Wednesday’s release that it was just not meant to be.
Rask wrote that today was a day that he hoped would never arrive. “But it’s here, and I feel that I owe to everyone to tell it from me. I was aware that my recovery would be difficult when I decided to have hip surgery last summer. I knew that I needed to have surgery if I was going to continue to play the best hockey I can. All of the rehab, workouts, and practices were done with the goal of helping my teammates win games, and attempting to get back to the Stanley Cup. These last weeks have shown me that my body isn’t performing at its best for me to perform at the level I deserve and to help my teammates and Bruins fans. With heavy hearts, I announce my resignation from hockey.
Rask was originally drafted by Toronto 21st and final in the 2005 Entry Draft. After being traded to Boston, he made his NHL debut in November 2007 for the Bruins. Rask stated that once his health was in order, he would not consider signing anywhere else when he was heading to unrestricted, free agency last summer.
Rask will now be gone as a Stanley Cup winner in 2011, a Vezina Trophy winning player in 2014, and with a record of 306-163-66 in 560 career games.
Rask said that while it was sad to leave the game I love, he was grateful to have spent the last 15 years with some of the most amazing teammates and fans in the biggest sports city in the country. We have shared so many wonderful memories over the years – bringing the Cup back home to Boston in 2011 and our runs to the Finals in 2013 and 2019, as well as playing abroad in China, Northern Ireland, China, and the Winter Classics. I am also grateful to have been able to represent Finland at the Olympics and win a Bronze Medal.
“While these are all amazing experiences, I will never forget the bonds I formed with my teammates, coaches, and team staffs. They will remain in my heart forever and I will cherish those friendships for the rest of my life.
“Despite the ups and downs of the season, I am so thankful for all the support Boston has given me. Everything that comes with being a representative of the team will be missed. Boston Bruins. However, now I am happy to spend more time in the company of my family and friends who have never stopped supporting me in my dreams. Boston is special and will always remain our adopted home. We are excited to be a part this wonderful community.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Jacobs family. Cam Neely, Don SweeneyMy coaches, the equipment staff, and the rest of my team support staff, for all they did for me over my time with Bruins. I would never choose to play for another team. “I’m proud to have worn Spoked-B throughout my career. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Jeremy SwaymanRask, who started the season with the Bruins, was sent down to the American Hockey League and Rask was activated. Ullmark will join the Bruins as they battle for playoff positioning within the Eastern Conference. Ullmark is leading the way with 16 wins and Swayman with eight.