Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask said Friday that he hopes to sign a long term deal with the team this offseason. A restricted free agent, Rask could refuse to sign with the team and force his way out of town, but the 25-year-old netminder said his plan is to stay.
"I think you guys know the answer to that question," he said. "I've always said that I like it here and I want to come back, so that's about it."
Furthermore, Rask said that he wouldn't require the Bruins to give him the starting job in order for him to return. Asked whether he'd still sign if the team planned on keeping Tim Thomas as the starter, Rask said he would.
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, meanwhile, said that he is "not inclined" to trade either one of his goalies this offseason. Rask and the Bruins have yet to begin negotiating.
"I think there's a clear plan," Rask said. "I think everybody's been talking about it for a long time. It's not about the money, it's more about what's good for everybody. I've always said I like it here, and I think we have a great group of guys and the organization is great, so I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to be here. In my case, I love it here and we've just got to make things work."
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