Rask needs surgery for torn hip labrum, likely out until at least January

It turns out Tuukka Rask's postseason injury needed more than just "some maintenance."

The Boston Bruins netminder played through a torn labrum in his hip, he told reporters Friday. Rask will undergo surgery within the next month and will likely be out until January or February.

"It was hard," he said. "I had it all year."

Rask added he thinks he hurt his hip during the 2020 playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes. Wear and tear made the injury worse over time. While compensating for the hip, his back seized up, and he could barely walk for a week, which forced him to miss some time during the regular season.

The pending unrestricted free agent also reiterated that he wants to play next year but won't do so for any NHL team other than the Bruins. Rask was then asked what he would do if Boston doesn't want to re-sign him.

"Maybe I go home and play in Finland," he said. "I'm part owner of a team there. Who knows?"

Rask posted a .913 save percentage and a 2.28 goals against average in 24 games during the regular season. The 33-year-old started all 11 postseason contests for the Bruins, sporting a .919 save percentage and a 2.36 goals against average.

Jaroslav Halak is also a pending UFA, so youngsters Jeremy Swayman and Dan Vladar are the only Bruins goalies under contract for next year.