Tuukka Rask takes next step in resuming his NHL return

According to ESPN's Sean McDonough, Tuukka Rask is gearing up towards a return to the NHL at some point in the new year.

McDonough said that Rask, 34, told him he is expecting to start skating multiple times a week, and hopes to be back as soon as January. He also mentioned that he hopes that he will be able to rejoin the Boston Bruins, though that remains unknown.

Assuming Rask can get back to the form he was at prior to his surgery, any team who would be able to grab him would be adding an elite netminder to their roster. In 24 starts with the Bruins last season, he posted a 2.28 goals against average along with a .913 save percentage and a 15-5-2 record. If he is able to get back and up to game speed in January, there is also a chance he could represent Team Finland in the upcoming Winter Olympics.