Tuukka Rask could return to game action this weekend

Free agent goaltender Tuukka Rask is gearing up for an NHL return with the Boston Bruins and he could see game action as early as this weekend with their American Hockey League affiliate in Providence.

"I think everything else is on schedule," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. "Obviously it depends on when is he cleared for live action, it doesn't matter if it's the American League or the NHL, he needs to be cleared. So that's the next hurdle for him is clearance to play."

He added, "I think there will be a conversation then with [general manager Don Sweeney] about Providence. I think it's the best opportunity for him to get live action."

Rask, 34, had surgery to fix a torn labrum in his right hip in July 2021 and became an unrestricted free agent later that month. He's been skating at the Bruins' practice facility awaiting medical clearance from doctors.

"He certainly looks the part out there right now," Cassidy said. "He's come along very well. You're never sure with surgery how it'll go, complications, etc. He got through it, put the work in. I've seen him in the gym every morning here when it's his scheduled time, so clearly he's taking it seriously and wants to rehab as quickly as possible. So credit him, 100 percent, for his work ethic through this whole thing. Looks good on the ice and time will tell how that translates."

Boston's AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, are next in action on Friday and Saturday afternoon against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Tuukka Rask, a UFA who had hip surgery in July, is making progress toward a reunion with the Bruins and could play for their American Hockey League affiliate in Providence this weekend.https://t.co/vt1Li5oMu2— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) January 4, 2022

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