Boston Bruins rumors: 3 veteran goaltenders team should target
By Sam Minton
This will be an interesting offseason for the Boston Bruins. They have to decide whether or not they will keep Tuukka Rask but it’s certain that the B’s need to sign a veteran goaltender.
Rask is a free agent, but he has repeatedly mentioned how he wants to stay in Boston. He seems to be willing to take even a backup role to stay on the roster.
While it probably would be best for the Bruins to move on from Rask, there still seems to be a chance that he stays. He would be a valuable resource to Jeremy Swayman and a great failsafe in case he ends up struggling in an increased role.
But even if Rask does stay in Boston, the Bruins will need to add a veteran goaltender in the offseason.
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Rask is having surgery after dealing with a torn labrum throughout the postseason. He will miss a decent chunk of next season and Boston needs a veteran backup. The front office has already said that they don’t intend on Swayman and Dan Vladar being the goalie tandem for the majority of the regular season.
With David Krejci (and potentially Rask) off of the books, Boston will have plenty of money to spend. If they want a veteran goalie they can go out and get him.
So who should the Bruins be looking at? Here are the three veteran goaltenders that Boston should be looking to bring in.
3 veteran goaltenders Boston Bruins should target – No.3: James Reimer
Bruins fans will be very familiar with James Reimer. He spent the majority of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Usually, Boston got the upper hand with Reimer having a 9-10-3 record.
But Reimer has been a reliable backup for the Hurricanes recently. In his last two seasons, he has a record of 45-29-11 along with a .910 save percentage and 2.66 goals against average.
Boston doesn’t need to go out and sign an elite goaltender. All they need is someone who can help mentor Swayman and start a few games here and there.
The reason that Jaroslav Halak played so much was because Boston wanted to maintain Rask and ensure he didn’t get injured. Swayman will be able to play a lot more games making the backup less crucial to the Bruins success compared to prior seasons.
If Boston wants a veteran to teach Swayman what it is like to be an NHL goaltender, Reimer would be a great option playing more than 10 years in the league and playing between the pipes for four different teams.