Tuukka Rask to remain with Bruins organization in corporate role, considering future in coaching

Tuukka Rask, back at TD Garden to drop the ceremonial first puck for Thursday's Boston game against the New Jersey Devils, announced that he will serve as a corporate ambassador for the Bruins. Rask announced his retirement on Feb. 9 after a 15-year NHL career, all with Boston.

“I’ll be hanging out with sponsors, golfing and shaking hands in suites,” the 35-year-old Rask said. “I was intrigued about the business side of things anyways. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe I’ll get into coaching. Maybe not. But for now, I’ll be hanging out with sponsors.”

Rask attempted a comeback after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. His rehab went well. He stopped 25 of 27 shots against Philadelphia on Jan. 13 in his season debut.

But Rask learned that playing and practicing were wearing on his body. On Jan. 24 against Anaheim, Rask said he stretched and tweaked his groin and hip.

“It was just kind of time to be honest with yourself,” Rask said. “I could have kept pushing. But what’s the benefit for me playing at 60 percent, taking time off, taking a week or two weeks off and kind of taking a spot away from (23-year-old Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman)? I just figured it’s more beneficial for everybody to call it. I had a great career. I had no regrets.”

Rask, wife Jasmiina and his three daughters will remain in greater Boston for now.

“Arguably the best Bruins goaltender of all time,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Those are always subjective, open to debate. Good teammate. Every guy in the room would tell you that. He was a really good Boston Bruin.”

(Photo: Fred Kfoury III / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What are other Bruins alumni doing with the team?

Shinzawa: Recent alumni include Chris Kelly and Adam McQuaid, who were both teammates of Rask for the 2011 Stanley Cup. Kelly is in his first season as an assistant coach, focusing on defensive work with the forwards. McQuaid is also in his first season as player development coordinator.

Other alumni working with the team include Cam Neely (president), Don Sweeney (general manager), P.J. Axelsson (European scouting coordinator), Dennis Bonvie (pro scout), Brett Harkins (amateur scout), Matt Lindblad (pro scout) and Dean Malkoc (amateur scout).

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