Update on free agent goaltender Tuukka Rask.

The future of veteran goaltender Tuukka Rask was an interesting topic coming into this season, but with the current landscape of the National Hockey League a return from Rask could prove to be extremely significant.

On Friday we got an update on the status of the former Boston Bruins goaltender when ESPN's Sean McDonough revealed, during the National Hockey League broadcast of the afternoon game between the Bruins and the New York Rangers, that he had spoken to Rask about his future in the league. According to McDonough, Rask is set to begin preparing for his return this season, starting with the 34 year old netminder skating 5 times a week beginning next week.

The biggest news however came when McDonough revealed that Rask is hopeful he will be able to return to play sometime in January, a sign that Rask is indeed very serious about playing this season.

There are a number of teams in the National Hockey League that could use some help in goal and although Rask was a member of the Boston Bruins for his entire career, the reality is that he is currently unsigned and as a result is an unrestricted free agent. Rask has stated in the past that he is hopeful for a return to the Bruins, and did so again when speaking with McDonough, but whether or not that will fit into his plans or the Bruins plans come January will remain to be seen.

It is still very early in the season but the Bruins are currently sitting 2 points out of a playoff spot, and have several teams right alongside them trying to fight for 1 of the 2 Wild Card spots. If that trend continues will Rask still be interested in playing for a team that could miss out on the playoffs entirely?

The Bruins are currently using the tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, and there are legitimate questions about whether or not they would want to add Rask to that payroll. That remains true even when you consider the fact that neither goaltender has been outstanding this season, especially with Ullmark signed to a 4 year deal.