Chiarelli: Rask Wants To Prove He's A No. 1 Goalie 'For A Long Time'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed Friday that the team has reached an agreement in principle with goaltender Tuukka Rask on a one-year contract, though it won't be official until July 1.
While some expected the Bruins to perhaps sign Rask to a three- or four-year deal to lock up the "goalie of the future," Chiarelli said Friday at development camp that a one-year deal was the best route for both sides. However, there remains optimism that the two sides can agree to an extension in January.
"Not really," Chiarelli said when asked if he considered a long-term deal. "He wants to prove that he's the number one goalie for the Bruins for a long time. So this was the easiest way to set the stage for that."
Rask, 25, has yet to assume that role for an entire season. He was a starter for essentially half of the 2009-10 season, when the Bruins were ultimately eliminated by the Flyers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The following season, he took a backseat to Tim Thomas, who posted one of the better statistical seasons in history.
Now, with Thomas prepared to sit out the 2012-13 season, it's officially Tuukka Time.
"The stage is set for him and we'll see where it takes us," Chiarelli said.
