For those of you thinking that this new eight-year contract that the Boston Bruins just gave Tuukka Rask is going to work out — you’re wrong.
At first, this deal looked wonderful considering Rask led the NHL in save percentage (.940) in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but a closer look makes sure makes you wonder…why the Bruins gave so much cash to a still unproven goaltender?
On Wednesday No. 40 was given a hefty extension worth a total of $56 million. This deal evens out to Rask making $7 million a year, which ties him with Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators as the highest paid goalie in the NHL. In case you didn’t know, the Predators missed out on the 2013 postseason completely and it’s been proven that paying for goalies just doesn’t end well.
Looking at what Boston gave up in order to create the cap room to be financially able to give Rask this big extension, the first question that comes to mind is this: what was going on in Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli‘s head when he put this contract in front of Rask? Not to mention, the goaltender was a restricted free agent which means that the Bruins could have waited to see if any other NHL team was going to give No. 40 an offer worth matching.
Although they did win the Eastern Conference last season, the Bruins can expect to see a drastic dip in wins this winter. Under an extremely tight salary cap, Boston will have to work around Rask’s contract until the end of the decade, so good luck with that, Bruins fans.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
