That would be around Jan. 18, when the Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cassidy said they were factoring in a trip from Jan. 8-12 at the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens as a possible return.
"We had to make a determination, if we're on the road, we're traveling, one of those is a day off, how are we going to get him what he needs and still take care of us, right?" Cassidy said. "That was being discussed. If he didn't go with us, where is he getting the work? Is it (American Hockey League affiliate) Providence, injured players here, so that was on the table. I think that was the week they were saying any time after that he may be ready to go if his doctors clear him to play."
Rask had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip in late July and has been working out at the Bruins practice facility throughout his rehab. The 34-year-old was 15-5-2 with a 2.28 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and two shutouts in 24 starts last season.
"'Tuuks' is one of the best goalies in the world and if he comes back, and at that level, then that's great," forward Brad Marchand said. "He obviously has the talent that when you shoot on him and see him in the net, he's so calm. He's just one of those guys, their abilities are impressive, and that's why he's been one of the best goalies in the League for the last 10-15 years, or whatever it's been, so it's great he's that close to getting back. He's one of those guys who can win you games, but we have a big job to do the rest of the year regardless of who's in net."
The Bruins (14-10-2) have been using rookie Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark in goal. Swayman is 7-5-0 with a 2.29 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and one shutout in 14 starts. Ullmark is 7-5-0 with a 2.52 GAA and .922 save percentage in 12 starts.
Rask has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Bruins. He is their all-time leader in wins (306) and is second in shutouts (52), behind Tiny Thompson (74). Rask is 306-163-66 in 560 NHL games (540 stars) with a 2.27 GAA and .921 save percentage, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2013, where they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games, and in 2019, where they lost to the St. Louis Blues in seven games.
"I have been so lucky to be part of only one team in the NHL," Rask said in August. "For me, it's about that pride of playing for one team and one team only. I have no reason to chase the money anymore and go somewhere else. It's going to be one of those things where the Bruins are my home, Boston is my home. I've always wanted to play here, wanted to stay here, so the money won't be an issue. We had a conversation with [general manager Don Sweeney] and I will be a cheap goalie for them.
"I would say I'm not looking for a $7 million contract anymore. I just like to help the team out. I feel like I'm a veteran goalie and there are some young guys coming in, so whatever I can do to help the guys out I will do it and end my career as a Bruin."
The Bruins are scheduled to host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday (1 p.m. ET; NESN, MSG-B, ESPN+, NHL LIVE).
