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Bruins and Jaroslav Halak agree to one-year extension *Updated |
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*Blog updated 5/2/20
Set to become an unrestricted free agent upon the completion of the 2020-21 season, the Bruins and goalie Jaroslav Halak have come to terms on a one-year extension worth $2.25 million.
According to Matt Porter of the Boston Globe, the contract also includes a performance bonus that will pay Halak an extra $1.25 million for 10 games played.
It's a move that absolutely makes sense for both sides as Halak and Tuukka Rask have come together to give the Bruins arguably the best goalie tandem in the NHL.
Since Halak joined the Bruins for the 2018-19 season, the Bruins have allowed 379 goals, second fewest among teams, trailing just the Dallas Stars. Five-on-five, the Bruins have allowed 234 goals since Halak arrived, fewest among NHL teams.
What I like most about the signing is that it allows the Bruins to maintain their plan on getting Rask as much rest as possible, while being able to rely on Halak to produce anytime his name is called upon.
For Halak, signing in Boston for one more season was an easy decision.
"Since I came and joined the team, it’s been a special group. I think I’ve blended in with the guys and we had some success. But I think everyone knows we have some unfinished business and I hope the season can resume and we start what we finished. I’ve had a lot of fun these last two seasons and hopefully the success will continue," Halak said on a conference call with the Boston media Saturday morning.
"I think the whole organization, the fans are great. Just playing for the Bruins, an original six team is always special. I’m having a lot of fun and have a great relationship with Tuuks [Rask]. Not only him, but everyone in the locker room, I think we are like family and it’s been a big part of me wanting to come back."
Asked a few times about forgoing the chance to hit the open market and potentially land a more lucrative payday elsewhere, Halak said that comfort in Boston and his family played a big factor in his decision to stay.
"You always want to think about the best option possible, not only for yourself. Getting older, having kids, you have to also look at your family as well. Being happy in Boston is one of the biggest reasons we wanted to stay here," said Halak. "Anybody would want to see what kind of options you have on the free market, but I think the decision was made based on having the great team that we have and the teammates that we have. We all get along and it's been a special group since I joined. I couldn't be more happy."
By signing Halak, it also allows the Bruins organizational depth at the goalie position one more year to develop before possibly being called upon.
Dan Vladar took a big step forward with a successful AHL campaign this season, while prospects Jeremey Swayman and Kyle Keyser will battle Vladar for playing time in Providence next season.
Since Don Sweeney took over as the general manager "internal competition" has become a Bruins buzz word. Now with both Halak and Rask free agents after the 2020-21 season, the internal competition for playing time in Providence should be more meaningful.
"We don't want to box anybody out. We've always been pretty consistent that if a younger player's ready to take a spot and the opportunity's there, it's up to him. I think looking at it objectively, Daniel had an injury this year and missed six weeks earlier in the season. And then the tail end of this year, with the AHL and everybody on pause, everything's still up in the air. We felt that this stretch of games and the playoffs, those games are meaningful," said Sweeney.
"Historically they help goaltenders develop. We think very highly of Daniel, and obviously Jeremy had a terrific year. He was a Hobey Baker finalist and really backboned Maine to a very nice season. So we're excited about both those young goaltenders. Kyle is actually healthy and back on the ice now. We feel comfortable there."
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