Rumor: Tuukka Rask To Announce Retirement

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask was not enthusiastic about being in the NHL bubble. He played in the round robin and a portion of the 7 game series against the Carolina Hurricanes, but he shocked the world last week when he decided to opt out and leave the bubble. Now, it appears that he is done with hockey all together.

Many were critical of Rask's play in these playoffs, but others feel it is unfair to attribute this to him leaving his team. He is the father of three children, one being just four months old. This is what he said when he announced his departure from the bubble.

"I want to be with my team competing, but at this moment there are things more important than hockey in my life, and that is being with my family. I want to thank the Bruins and my teammates for their support and wish them the best."

Along with his family obligations, Joe Haggerty of TSN690 believes that Rask is completely done with hockey and will call it a career. He reportedly wants to focus on other interests and move on with his life.

"The speculation out there is that he might not even play next year... I don't think hockey is all that important to Tuukka, I think he has other interests, I think he has other things he likes to do.... I don't think it burns inside his belly like it does in all those other Bruins players and it's why you see these things from him from time to time...I just think hockey's not as high up on the list as it needs to be for a guy you're paying that kind of money to."

Joe Haggerty on TSN690 talking Rask: "The speculation out there is that he might not even play after next year...I don't think hockey is all that important to Tuukka, I think he has other interests, I think he has other things he likes to do..."
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) August 18, 2020