At the age of 34 and having played 564 regular NHL games, Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask is turning the page. The time for retirement has come.
Published: 17:48
Rask, who has played in only four games this season, explained his decision in a lengthy statement posted to Bruins social media late Wednesday afternoon.
“I was hoping this day would never happen,” he begins. But now that the time has come, I think people deserve to learn it from me. »
The Finn underwent hip surgery during the off-season. He started skating again in November and signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Bruins on January 11. After the January 24 game against the Anaheim Ducks, he mentioned feeling discomfort in his hip and hasn’t played since.
“When I made the decision to have hip surgery last summer, I did it knowing that the road to rehabilitation would be difficult,” he says. I also knew it was something I would have to do if I wanted to give myself a chance to play my best again. »
“Over the last few weeks, I have realized that my body is not responding as it should to allow me to play at the level that I expect of myself and that my teammates and the Bruins fans deserve. »
Selected in the first round, 21e in total, from the 2005 draft, Rask has been playing with the Bruins since the 2007-2008 season. He left with a 306-163-66 record and a .921 save percentage in 15 years, all spent in the black-and-yellow uniform. He won the Stanley Cup in 2011 and the Vezina Trophy at the end of the 2013-2014 season.
That’s not to mention his bronze medal with Finland at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
“These experiences were incredible, but what I will remember most is the bond I had with my teammates, the coaches and the staff of the teams,” he said. The memories we will have forever and the friendships that will last a lifetime. »
“Through the ups and downs, I’m so grateful for all the support that this team and the people of Boston have given me,” he added. I’m going to get bored of everything that comes with representing the Boston Bruins. But now I’m excited to spend more time with my family and friends who have never stopped supporting me in my dream. »
Number 40 ends by mentioning that Boston will forever remain his “adopted home”.