Bruins' Tuukka Rask signs PTO with AHL Providence

Tuukka Rask signed a professional tryout contract with Providence of the American Hockey League on Thursday, marking his first step toward a return to the NHL.

Rask, 34, is an unrestricted free-agent goaltender who is working his way back from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip.

The former Vezina Trophy recipient has been informally practicing with the NHL's Bruins. He is expected to start for the AHL club