Ever since Tuukka Rask opted out of the NHL playoffs to deal with a family emergency, the Bruins organization and his teammates have offered nothing but support publicly.
Despite that, Rask’s critics have continued to question if they really feel that way privately, or if they feel like Rask abandoned them and should’ve been able to find a way to stay with the team and play.
Reports that general manager Don Sweeney has gauged Rask’s trade value have only added to those questions, although Sweeney said again this week that Rask “remains a big part of” the Bruins’ plans going forward.
Former Bruins teammate Shawn Thornton remains a close friend of Rask, and he was asked about Rask’s decision to opt out when he joined The Greg Hill Show Thursday morning. Thornton, who is now the Florida Panthers’ senior vice president, is in town for his Putts & Punches charity golf tournament.
“I’ve talked to him. I was at his house two weeks ago when I was up here for another charity event,” Thornton said. “I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I know… Anyone who knows me knows I would punch my best friend in the face to win, and I would win at any cost. I would’ve made the exact same decision he did at the time that he made it.”
Thornton was asked a follow-up question about why Rask didn’t return to the playoff bubble after the family situation was under control, but declined to go into any further details.
“Honestly, I’m too close to him,” Thornton said. “I don’t want to speak on it because I don’t want to say anything that he wouldn’t want me to say. He’s one of my best friends, and I would never put him in that situation.”
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