



Tuukka Rask is in the fold for two more seasons. (Winslow Townson/AP)

The Bruins may be struggling to score this season, but Peter Chiarelli continues to ring up his top young talent, and now has come to terms on a two-year contract extenstion for backup netminder Tuukka Rask.

According to a source familiar with Rask’s new deal filed today with the Players’ Assocation, Rask agreed to terms on a deal that will keep him in Black-and-Gold through the 2011-’12 season.

Rask’s new deal is a one-way contract, according to the source, who would not reveal precise contract terms. However, given Rask’s relative inexperience at the NHL level, the deal likely will average annual payouts in a range of $1.2 million-$1.6 million.


Rask, 22 years old, is 2-1-1 this season in his backup role to Tim Thomas. Now in his third professional season, he has played in only nine NHL games.

Just last month, Chiarelli also inked Milan Lucic to a three-year contract extension, keeping the hard-rock winger under contract through 2012-’13.

Update: no confirmation yet on Rask’s contract figures, but based on added guidance from sources, Rask’s annual cap hit will be lower than initially projected here. Figure his new deal to come in around $1.3 millon per year, perhaps slightly lower.

Confirmed financials: Rask’s final cap figure, beginning next season, will be $1.25 million. He will make $1 million next season, 2010-’11, and then jump to $1.5 million in 2011-’12. Provided Rask and Tim Thomas remain the netminding tandem, the Bruins will have the position–the most important on the ice–covered for a total cap hit of $6.125 million.