Marty turco waivers in baseball

The Boston Bruins aren't overly optimistic Marty Turco will be around for the stretch drive.

One day after signing the veteran goaltender to a free-agent contract, general manager Peter Chiarelli pegged the odds of Turco clearing waivers and joining the Bruins at just ''50-50.''

''The fact a goalie like that is available after the trade deadline, we're fortunate to a certain degree,'' Chiarelli said Tuesday before the Bruins played the Maple Leafs. ''But there are other teams that need some goaltending help also. I'd say it's 50-50 that he'll clear waivers.''

Teams have until 12 p.m. EST Wednesday to put in a claim for Turco. On Monday night, he signed a one-year contract with Boston for a pro-rated salary of $600,000 and had to be placed on the waiver wire because he had only played in Europe this season.

It's a low-risk rental for the Bruins — or any team that claims him — because the 36-year-old will be on the roster for only a month. Turco is ineligible for the playoffs because he was signed after the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

Prior to signing with Boston, Turco had been playing for EC Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. He also suited up for Canada at the Spengler Cup in December.

''He's committed to continuing to play in the (NHL),'' Chiarelli said. ''So the motivation will be there. I spoke with the manager of Salzburg and he said he was in good condition and had some good games - he did quite well.''

Turco, a 10-year NHL veteran, spent last season as a backup with Chicago. He went unsigned during the summer and eventually sought work in Europe.

The Bruins found themselves in need of a backup for starting goalie Tim Thomas after Tuukka Rask suffered a lower abdomen/groin strain during the weekend that will keep him out four to six weeks. The organization's third goalie, Anton Khudobin, is also on the sidelines with a wrist injury.

Ideally, Boston would like to give Turco at least four or five starts before the end of the season.

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TORONTO — Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said last night he believes there is only a “50-50” chance that veteran goalie Marty Turco will clear waivers at noon tomorrow and join the team.

If Turco is not available to come in and spell Tim Thomas for the odd game in the coming weeks, the B’s will continue with rookie Michael Hutchinson as their No. 2 — with the expectation that Providence starter Anton Khudobin will be ready to return from injury in about two weeks and become Thomas’ backup.

“There’s a chance we may not get (Turco),” Chiarelli said before the Bruins’ 5-4 win over Toronto last night. “He may not clear. There are other teams that need some goaltending help also, so I’d say it’s 50-50 that he will clear waivers.”

If Turco does clear waivers, he’ll join the B’s for practice. He arrived at the Air Canada Centre during last night’s game and said afterward he hopes to become a Bruin today and resume his NHL career.

“I really want to be here,” said Turco, 36. “This is a special group and just to be part of this group would be invigorating for my career.

“It’s unfortunate (Tuukka) Rask had to go down. But for me, to come in here and finish the season would be awesome. I’m crossing my fingers that the waivers do go through. I’ve skated all year with the notion of playing in the NHL again.”

After Rask suffered what the club called an abdominal/groin injury Saturday against the Islanders, Turco’s agent called the Bruins and struck a deal. But it only works if no other team claims the former All-Star. If he is claimed, the B’s may be unable to give Thomas the desired rest before the playoffs.

“It’s kind of an imperfect storm,” Chiarelli said of Rask’s injury and its timing. “But other teams have their injuries and deal with them. Khudob

BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Bruins have signed goaltender Marty Turco to a one-year deal.

Turco is a 10-year NHL veteran who has played in 538 regular season games with the Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks.He most recently played for EC Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian First Division this year.

The 36-year-old Turco will be placed on waivers and if he clears waivers, he will join the Bruins on Wednesday. If he does clear waivers, he would not be eligible to play in the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, as he is joining the club after the Trade Deadline.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The news comes after the club announced that injured backup goaltender Tuukka Rask would miss 4-6 weeks.

© 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

WILMINGTON — Marty Turco had his plans all set. After his season in Austria finished up last week, his family was going to meet him in Europe and they were going on vacation to Venice, Florence and Rome.

But when he heard he had a chance to see Wilmington, Mass., he figured Piazza San Marco and the Sistine Chapel could wait.

The 36-year-old cleared waivers at noon today and at 12:02 p.m., he stepped onto the ice at Ristuccia Arena with his red helmet and golden brown pads, ready for his first Bruins practice.

“It felt good and more than anything it was good to be back on the ice under the bright lights and with NHL players, never mind the Boston Bruins,” said Turco. “It’s a great day for my family and me, it feels good and I’m very appreciative of the phone call.”

The Bruins signed Turco on Monday after Tuukka Rask suffered an abdomen/groin strain on Saturday that will keep him out 4-to-6 weeks. Turco flew from Munich to Toronto yesterday to meet the B’s and flew back with them last night, but had to wait out the waiver wire today. In the end, no one decided to ruin the B’s — or Turco’s — day. If another team had claimed him, he would not have been able to play at all this year.

“It’s just another chapter in the book,” said Turco. “You get dressed and prepare to practice, but you have to adhere to the rules and wait for the nod. It felt like being 15 years old again, waiting to practice with the big boys.”

Turco last played for Salzburg on March 1 and didn’t feel that it would take long to get back up to NHL speed. Goalie coach Bob Essensa was on hand to coach and evaluate.

“It’s more getting back in the flow,” said Turco. “It won’t really take much in terms of the speed of the shot. I think with the play, the ice is a little smaller and things happen quicker and you’re dealing with players with more confide