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Boston Bruins: Tuukka Rask should be apart of 2020 plans

By Sam Minton

Aug 12, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) makes a save in front of Carolina Hurricanes left wing Brock McGinn (23) and Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) in the first period in game one of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) makes a save in front of Carolina Hurricanes left wing Brock McGinn (23) and Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) in the first period in game one of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Don Sweeney spoke to the media and even though trade rumors surround Tuukka Rask, the Boston Bruins GM said he is apart of the team’s future.

It seems like Boston Bruins fans have no idea what to think in regards to Tuukka Rask. The team has one stance while the rumors surrounding the goaltender make it seem like something else is going on.

Recently Rask rumors have been lighting up the internet. He ended up on TSN’s trade bait article and there were rumors that Rask was asked to submit his list of 15 teams that he wanted to be traded to.

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But now that doesn’t even seem to be a factor. Rask’s modified no-trade clause does not carry into next season. The Bruins are free to move Rask wherever they would like after October ninth.

The question is will they? Moving on from Rask could have some bad optics and significantly hurt the team’s chances of winning a Stanley Cup.

If there is one person’s word who means a lot in Boston, it’s Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. If he’s standing behind Rask it means that the goaltender is likely staying.

Sweeney spoke to the media on Monday and seemed to put out the fire when it comes to trading Rask. He said his status on the team hasn’t changed.

"“No, as a matter of fact, our staff has communicated with Tuukka and as I said before, he remains a big part of our roster planning going forward because I think by my knowledge, he was second in the Vezina balloting and we feel very, very comfortable with where our goaltending is at,” Sweeney said.“And I think you’re going to need it. I don’t know what the schedule and what the season – I think there are a lot of things that are up in the air, but it could be a challenging environment from a season standpoint. Might make goaltending even more a big part of what you have to have going forward.”"

Without Rask, the Bruins will be in a lot of trouble. After Jaroslav Halak, it appears that either Dan Vladar or Jeremy Swayman would be the backup goaltender.

With such a lack of experience backing up Halak, the veteran goaltender would have to play a lot of games.

At 35 years old it’s hard to see Halak being a workhorse this season. But without Rask, the Bruins would be unable to split starts like they are used to.

If the Bruins want to continue to compete for a Stanley Cup, they need Rask. He is still one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He almost won the Vezina Trophy this past season!

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Rask should be apart of Boston’s plans. If they get rid of him, next season will be a long one.

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