The Boston Bruins have had one of the best goaltending duos in the NHL over the last three seasons. But with both Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak on deals that expire after this season, it’s uncertain if either one of these veteran netminders will be back in 2021-22.
Over the three years that the two have been together, both have put up incredible numbers, and even took home the William M. Jennings Trophy last season for allowing the least number of goals in the NHL.
Rask has posted nine shutouts, .916 save percentage (SV%), 2.35 goals-against average (GAA), and .596 quality start percentage (QS%) in 101 games (100 starts) over the last three seasons. Additionally, last season he finished as the runner-up for the Vezina Trophy and had the best GAA in the league at 2.12.
Halak has posted 10 shutouts, .920 SV%, 2.29 GAA, and .600 QS% in 83 games (78 starts).
The Boston Bruins should move on from Jaroslav Halak next season.
Although both goalies are still capable are playing at a high level when called upon, they are also both getting up there in age. Rask just turned 34 and Halak is turning 36 in May.
With how prospect Dan Vladar played on Tuesday, I think it’s time for the B’s to move on from Halak and let Vladar back up Rask for a season or two. Of course, Vladar has to play well in more than just one NHL game this season. Hopefully, he gets a start in one of these next two games against the Buffalo Sabres.
I say to move on from Halak because he is the older goalie and hasn’t shown that he can handle 40+ starts in a season since signing with the Black and Gold. Rask, on the other hand, has shown he can consistently play well despite starting around 50 games in a season.
Another reason to do this is the fact that Vladar needs NHL experience. Right now the only experience he’s getting is when Rask or Halak gets injured. Other than that, he’s playing in the AHL with the P-Bruins. He needs to be up in the NHL consistently getting starts and practicing with Boston.
Vladar, right now, is viewed as the successor of Rask, and the B’s are going to have to find out if he truly is sooner or later. I’m advocating for sooner.
This move should leave the Black and Gold with Rask, on a one- or two-year deal worth $4 to $6 million, and Vladar as their goaltenders in 2021-22.
In the AHL, they’ll have Jeremy Swayman, who has been dominating the league so far this season, and maybe Callum Booth or a veteran that can be called upon if Rask or Vladar get injured.
Right now, it seems that the B’s plan in net for the future is Dan Vladar and Jeremy Swayman. They should start moving towards this plan next season with Vladar looking ready for the NHL and Halak on an expiring contract.
If everything goes to plan, I can see Vladar and Swayman being the Bruins’ options between the pipes in two or three years.