Don’t expect Boston Bruins’ goalie Tuukka Rask to make a retirement announcement anytime soon. The 33-year-old All-Star recently told the media that he doesn’t know how long will he play, but is determined to remain on ice for several more years.
Speaking with NHL.com on Monday, Rask said that he doesn’t think about retirement at the moment as he still has “that passion of winning and playing.” He also added that him playing until he’s 45 isn’t out of the question.
“So far, I still have that passion of winning and playing,” said Rask. “That drives me. The winning drives me. I haven’t put a number into it, at what age it might be, but we’ll see. Maybe it’s 36, 37, maybe it’s 42. You never know. [Zdeno Chara] is still playing and he’s getting older (43 years old), so maybe I’ll be the goalie who plays until 45, maybe not.”
Bruins also seem keen on prolonging Rask’s career as they gradually reduced his workload in recent seasons. After clocking at 70 games during 2014/15, this number dropped down to just 46 in 2018/19.
It isn’t surprising that Tuukka Rask wants to keep playing, as he has been one of the best goalkeepers in NHL this season while making the All-Star team. He has the league-leading 2.12 goal-against-average (GAA) among the goalies that played at least 25 games while also boosting .929 save percentage. Bruins have 28-8-6 record with Rask as a starter.
Rask spent his entire career with the Bruins, making his debut in 2007. Since then, he helped the team win a Stanley Cup in 2011 and won the Vezina Trophy for being the best NHL goalie during the 2013/14. His career stats include 291 – 158 – 64 record, 2.26 GAA, .922 SA, and 50 shutouts.
