The Boston Bruins are heading into this season’s trade deadline looking to add some pieces while adding others.
One piece the Bruins are looking to unload is veteran netminder Joonas Korpisalo. That’s hardly breaking news. In fact, Boston has tried to move him in the past. But this season, the plan to unload Korpisalo has kicked up again.
In particular, the Bruins want to unload his $3 million cap hit. But as a piece in RG Media noted, unloading Korpisalo’s contract won’t be an easy task.
In a January 9 piece, an unnamed league exec told James Murphy about the Bruins’ plans for Korpisalo. While there is certainly a market for goalies this season, the 31-year-old just isn’t moving the needle.
The exec noted:
“They’ve been trying hard to find a dance partner and move him. As it has been each time they’ve put feelers out there, his performance and cap hit have been the main issue. Some teams are looking for depth and an upgrade in their backup position, but Korpisalo is not that this season.”
Korpisalo has appeared in 17 games for the Bruins this season. He’s racked up a 3.20 GAA and an .894 SV%. Those numbers are not going to impress anyone looking for an upgrade in goal. Plus, his current cap hit runs for two more seasons. As such, that’s something teams are not too thrilled about.
One NHL scout had this to say about the Bruins’ path moving forward:
“The Bruins would love to somehow trade him and call up [Michael] DiPietro, but trust me, they’re going to need to sweeten the pot with a pick or prospect. Factor in a tight goalie market, and this is a tall task.”
It seems the Bruins are in a tough spot at the moment.
Bruins Would Prefer Having DiPietro in the Mix
The Bruins have an heir apparent in Michael DiPietro waiting in the wings. He has dominated the AHL the last couple of seasons. However, Korpisalo has essentially blocked his path to the NHL.
In 19 games with Providence this season, DiPietro has a 1.82 GAA and a .937 SV%. Those are stunning numbers at the NHL level, and jaw-dropping stats in the AHL.
Plus, DiPietro comes with an $812K cap hit. That’s much more cost-effective, as the Bruins look to add more pieces at the trade deadline.
Korpisalo Needs to Relieve Swayman
The lack of trust in Korpisalo has led coach Marco Sturm to rely heavily on starter Jeremy Swayman. Swayman has been up to the task. But the biggest question would be how long he could continue playing as much as he has.
Swayman has already appeared in 31 games this season. At this rate, he could eclipse 60 games. That’s a tough task for any goalie.
Ultimately, moving Korpisalo comes down to finding a trade partner not on his 10-team no-trade list. Unless the Bruins move him, the only recourse may be to waive him. The cap relief the Bruins would get could be enough to add meaningful pieces at the deadline.
Bruins Could Have Tough Time Unloading Vet Goalie: Rumor