Jaroslav Halak Expects To Test Free Agency After Three Seasons With Bruins

The Boston Bruins have boasted one of the best goalie tandems in the NHL in recent seasons, but after Jaroslav Halak’s bout with COVID-19 this past season, the duo became a trio.

Rookie Jeremy Swayman emerged as a more-than-capable option between the pipes with the opportunity provided by Halak’s diagnosis, earning the backup job behind Tuukka Rask entering Boston’s Stanley Cup playoffs run.

Unlucky timing for Halak, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 28. According to his representation, the goalie fully anticipates he’ll test the market.

“Jaroslav Halak expects to become an unrestricted free agent on July 28th,” Halak’s agent, Allan Walsh on Saturday confirmed via Twitter.

Halak, 36, spent the last three seasons in Boston, going 49-23-14 overall with a .918 save percentage and 10 shutouts in 83 starts.

If the sides do part ways, that could leave Swayman starting in goal for the Bruins as Rask recovers from hip surgery. That is, if and when Boston signs Rask.