Latest news with #Korpisalo
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumors: Boston Bruins expected to move Joonas Korpisalo as goaltending battle heats up
The Boston Bruins face a goaltending logjam as training camp approaches, with Joonas Korpisalo's future uncertain (Getty Images) The Boston Bruins are once again facing tough roster decisions in net as training camp looms, and the spotlight has shifted toward Joonas Korpisalo's uncertain future. While Jeremy Swayman is firmly positioned as the team's starter heading into 2025-26, questions remain about who will serve as his backup — and whether Korpisalo will even be on the roster when the season begins. Insider suggests Bruins are preparing to move on from Joonas Korpisalo The Bruins currently have three goaltenders signed to one-way contracts, a situation that leaves little room for balance. NHL insider Rob Couch recently suggested that Korpisalo could be the odd man out. According to Couch, 'Joonas Korpisalo isn't too happy with his situation on the Boston Bruins as he played just as well as Jeremy Swayman last season and got 24 starts to show for it. He is looking for a bigger role and won't find it in Boston. With the team wanting to have Michael DiPietro in the NHL as he's ready to graduate, Korpisalo has been in trade rumors and should be traded. His cap hit is $3 million AAV for three more years and he was good in Columbus and LA. The Bruins could also retain even more to move him.' Korpisalo's frustration isn't new. At the end of last season, he voiced his disappointment with the lack of playing time, noting that he 'barely saw ice' despite steady performances when called upon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo That public criticism only fueled speculation that his days in Boston were numbered. Why Michael DiPietro's development could tip the scales Michael DiPietro's rapid development has created pressure on Boston's front office to make a decision. At 25, the young netminder is viewed as NHL-ready, and the Bruins risk stunting his growth if he spends another year waiting in the AHL. Giving him an opportunity at the top level makes organizational sense — but it leaves Korpisalo squeezed out of the picture. If general manager Don Sweeney opts to trade Korpisalo, the move could also provide Boston with valuable cap flexibility, which may be redirected toward shoring up other areas of the roster. With several teams still unsettled in goal, there's a strong chance the Bruins find suitors willing to take on the veteran. Also Read: 'I deserve a chance': Nazem Kadri fires back after Hockey Canada camp exclusion, cites career-best season and experience The bottom line: if Boston is committed to developing DiPietro while keeping faith in Swayman as the franchise goaltender, then Korpisalo's exit seems more a matter of 'when' than 'if.' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Boston Globe
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Three players Bruins could move to create even more cap space this offseason
But as enticing as that cap space might be, it will likely dissipate in short order — especially during this surging cap era in the NHL. Here are three possible players that the Bruins could try to move on from in order to free up some additional cap space. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Joonas Korpisalo ($3 million AAV, signed through 2027-28) Advertisement Sweeney acknowledged in April that the Bruins should have handed Korpisalo more reps this past season instead of giving the lion's share of minutes in net to a struggling Jeremy Swayman. Given how porous Boston's defense was this past season, Korpisalo fared as expected in his first year with the Bruins (11-10-3, .893 save percentage). But with cap space being a premium and with Swayman still expected to be the team's No. 1 goalie, the case can be made that the Bruins should try to find a taker for Korpisalo's contract and use a cheaper option as Swayman's backup moving forward. Advertisement If the Bruins are committing $11.25 million to their goalie rotation for the next three years, they better be a pretty effective tandem. Unless the Bruins are going to realistically carve out 35-40 games for Korpialo moving forward, a $3 million backup for a 26-year-old netminder earning big bucks isn't all that tenable. Of course, not every team has a potential franchise fixture like Swayman (at least, the one that Bruins fans saw from 2020-24). As such, there could be several teams with plenty of cap space on hand who might be interested in taking on Korpisalo as either a low-cost starter or a backup for more of an unproven goalie. A team on the upswing like Columbus could be a fit for an old friend like Korpisalo if they think he has a higher upside than Elvis Merzlikins. If the Ducks find a taker for John Gibson, adding someone like Korpisalo could be a better alternative as backup to Lukas Dostal. Boston likely wouldn't get much back in a Korpisalo deal, and might have to retain some of his $3 million annual cap hit in order to entice a team to take on the majority of that contract. Still, an extra $2-2.5 million gained over the next three seasons could be redistributed elsewhere on Boston's roster, especially if the Bruins opt to use a cheaper backup behind Swayman like Michael DiPietro. Casey Mittelstadt ($5.75 million AAV, signed through 2026-27) Mittelstadt is a tough player to gauge on the 2025-26 roster. Advertisement When the Bruins essentially swapped Charlie Coyle for Mittelstadt (along with prospect Will Zellers and a 2025 second-round pick), the 26-year-old center represented a change of pace from Boston's previous roster-building efforts. Whereas Coyle was more of a puck-possession, two-way center, Mittelstadt represented the higher-skilled pivot that the Bruins were trying to add to their roster, especially in the midst of a year where offense was hard to come by. Mittelstadt didn't exactly stuff the stat sheet in his first foray with Boston (six points, minus-17 rating in 18 games). Granted, his most common linemates to close out the year were also Cole Koepke and Vinni Lettieri. The Bruins might think there's more there with a young center in Mittelstadt, who also had two 50-plus-point seasons on his resume. If the Bruins were to add a scoring winger in free agency like Boeser (a fellow Minnesota native), Mittelstadt's contract could end up being good value if he becomes a solid playmaking 2C. But if there are some reservations about Mittelstadt's game, or the Bruins just believe that they can make use of that money elsewhere, the center could also be dangled as a trade chip this summer. Much like Korpisalo, it remains to be seen if the Bruins would actually net something of top value for an unproven product like Mittelstadt, with the cap savings standing as the top reward for Boston. The Bruins might like Mittelstadt's upside and playmaking touch. But if moving his contract allows them to sign a potential 30-goal scorer like Ehlers, Mittelstadt could be redundant on a team that already has a glut of middle-six centers in place on its roster. Advertisement Pavel Zacha ($4.75 million AAV through 2026-27) If the Bruins are both trying to create cap space AND get a useful asset back in a trade, Zacha is the type of versatile middle-six asset (on a great contract) that several teams would love to take off of Boston's hands. A mock draft from The Athletic earlier this month even had Boston securing the Canucks' first-round pick (No. 15) i If the Bruins' top priority is accumulating more draft picks, they should have no issue finding a suitor for Zacha. But even if the Bruins might be a few years away from reestablishing themselves as a legitimate contender, Zacha still holds plenty of value for Boston both in the present and potentially in the future. Zacha has been a versatile regular in Boston's lineup since joining the team in 2022-23, surpassing 50 points in two of his three seasons with the Bruins. He was hindered at times by a nagging knee injury this past year, but still played in all 82 games while scoring 14 goals and 47 points. On a roster in flux, Zacha's ability to both play center or on the wing also makes him a useful cog for Sturm moving forward. Zacha might be Boston's best bet this summer when it comes to both shedding money and potentially gaining another first-round pick (or blue-chip prospect). But his presence would be missed on a Bruins team that also needs some stability in place after a sizable roster overhaul. Conor Ryan can be reached at
Boston Globe
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
In lost Bruins season, Morgan Geekie continues to build chemistry with David Pastrnak
Falconer acknowledged Wednesday, a day after One puck in particular stood out. Pastrnak's 100th point was an assist on Geekie's 30th goal. Pastrnak, the Bruins' de facto captain, awarded it to Geekie. Advertisement The pair have been on fire lately racking up points at an impressive clip, including last week's win over the Hurricanes in which they both collected 5. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Related : The chemistry between the wingers has been evident for a good stretch now. 'Dave's a great player. Obviously 100 points in this league is not something to shake your head at and to do it three times in a row speaks to the kind of player he is,' said Geekie, who may be the only guy in the locker room who refers to Pastrnak as Dave. 'But I mean from my point of view, I think yeah, we read off each other pretty well and just try to find spots to get open for him and I think that's a skill I've grown over these last couple months just trying to learn to play with him and where he likes to be, where I know he likes to put the puck. I think that's just a skill you've got to learn, and I've been fortunate enough to play with him for enough time now to kind of figure those things out and we'll keep growing together for sure.' Advertisement Will that growth continue into 2025-26? A two-year, $4 million pact that Geekie signed in the summer of 2023 is up at season's end . The 26-year-old will be a restricted free agent and is in line for a big raise. Related : Geekie, who also has set a career high with 23 assists to go with a high mark in goals, said he hasn't spent a ton of time thinking about what's next. He'll leave the negotiating to his agent. 'I know there was a lot of talk going into the deadline with what was going to happen with me and I'm just happy to stick around for another month and a half and if that's as long as I'm here, then that's how it's going to be,' he said. 'But I love it here, like I said before, and I'd love to stay as long as I can, but like I said, it's a long summer, it's a business at the end of the day and I thank the organization for all the opportunity and just I'd love to be a part of it moving forward, for sure.' Korpisalo up for honor Goalie Joonas Korpisalo is the Bruins' nominee for 2025 Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy, selected by the Boston Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The award is given to 'the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.' Advertisement 'Pretty honored, A little surprised, but yeah, heard about it yesterday after a game and, yeah, it's pretty cool,' Korpisalo said following practice at Warrior Arena. Korpisalo went 21-26-4 with the Senators last season before being 'I had some good moments [and some] not so good moments,' Korpisalo said of his first season in Boston. 'As I said before, we go as a group, but it started pretty well. The last half it's been for all of us, pretty tough. But yeah, I've just been working on my game throughout the year. Doesn't matter what gets thrown at you.' Practice updates Pavel Zacha (maintenance) and Nikita Zadorov (family matter) were not at practice … Charlie McAvoy (shoulder) and Mark Kastelic (upper-body injury) were full participants but there is still no timetable for either to return to game action … Jim McBride can be reached at
Boston Globe
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Carlsson's memorable debut helps Sharks claim victory over Bruins
Circling to the right circle, Carlsson backhanded a rebound past Joonas Korpisalo after the Bruins goalie stopped the original point shot from Will Smith. Barclay Goodrow added an empty netter for the final. It was a particularly bitter pill to swallow for the Bruins, who had dominated the third period after tying the game late in the second period. 'I think obviously there was probably a stretch we could have played better, but I thought overall it was pretty good and we had them on their heels and maybe it's a heck of a block [by Korpisalo] and just an unlucky bounce really, to be honest,' said Casey Mittelstadt, who scored Boston's lone goal. 'So yeah, that one hurts for sure, but got to regroup quick and get back at it [Sunday in Los Angeles].' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Korpisalo made 19 saves, several in the spectacular category to keep the Bruins in it over the first 40 minutes. He made several highlight saves in the moments before Carlsson's winner. Advertisement 'We just got a little bit hemmed in and their first line has really skilled guys,' said Korpisalo. 'A couple of seam passes and it opens up in the middle and just a weird bounce and that's how it works.' Boston, which had beaten San Jose 15 straight times, lost its fifth straight in falling to 30-32-9. Jakub Lauko took it upon himself to make sure there would be no slow start in the Shark Tank as he invited Goodrow to a good old-fashioned throw down. With many fans still settling into their seats with their sushi boats -- yup, they have 'em here -- the two wingers exchanged a few haymakers, much to the delight of both benches. It was the first bout for Lauko since returning to his Black & Gold roots at the trade deadline. Advertisement With Mark Kastelic on the shelf for the foreseeable future with an upper-body injury, Lauko's fourth-line physicality will be consistently counted on. Fabian Lysell flashed his speed and shiftiness on an early shift, accelerating through the neutral zone and into the Sharks end where he drew a hooking call on Ty Dellandrea. The Bruins couldn't take advantage of the power play, however, failing to land a single shot on Alexandar Georgiev. The Sharks earned a pair of power plays (Henri Jokiharju and Pavel Zacha tripping calls), but the Boston power play was on point, allowing just one real threat, a one-timer from William Eklund that Korpisalo squeezed. Alexander Wennberg threatened to open the scoring early in the second when he danced by Mason Lohrei and got to Korpisalo's doorstep, but the Bruins netminder flashed the right pad to keep it scoreless. Moments later, however, the Sharks took the lead. William Eklund won a puck battle with Casey Mittelstadt in his own end and fired a pass to Macklin Celebrini, who was streaking up the right side. Unmarked as he coasted into the Bruins end, Celebrini, the former Boston University star and No. 1 overall pick last spring, slid a slick cross-slot pass back to Eklund, who beat Korpisalo five-hole with just over two minutes gone by in the second. Luca Cagnoni playing in just his second NHL game, earned the secondary assist, his first career point. Cagnoni is the first defenseman from the 2023 draft to reach the NHL. He picked up his first career penalty minutes later when he held a hustling Lauko as the winger motored into the San Jose end. Advertisement The Boston power play was more connected this time around, landing several good chances but no goals. Boston finally gave the many thousands of fans donning Bruins sweaters something to cheer about when Mittelstadt tied things at 16:50. Georgiev misplayed a puck behind the net and shoveled it to Vincent Desharnais. Cole Koepke forced a surprised Desharnais to cough it up to front of the net where Mittelstadt pounced and punched it in the open net to even things at 1, where it stood after 40 minutes. 'Great forecheck by Cole and pretty much just looked up and the puck is sitting there for me, so I don't get too many like that,' said Mittelstadt. 'I'll definitely take it.' Jim McBride can be reached at
Reuters
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Sharks break late tie, extend Bruins' skid
March 23 - Lucas Carlsson scored the game-winning goal with 3:23 left in regulation and added an assist as the San Jose Sharks topped the visiting Boston Bruins 3-1 on Saturday night. In his San Jose debut, Carlsson broke a late 1-1 tie when he slotted a backhander past Boston goaltender Joonas Korpisalo off Will Smith's shot. Boston elected not to challenge the eventual game-winner for a potential offsides call. The Sharks (19-42-9, 47 points) had lost 14 consecutive games in the head-to-head series. Of late, the win broke a two-game skid. William Eklund matched Carlsson with a goal and an assist, Barclay Goodrow also scored and Macklin Celebrini assisted on each of San Jose's first two goals. Celebrini, the 18-year-old reigning Hobey Baker Award winner from Boston University and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, became the fastest player in Sharks history to reach 30 career assists. San Jose's Alexander Georgiev made 22 saves, including eight in the third period. Casey Mittlestadt scored the lone goal for Boston (30-32-9, 69 points), which is 0-4-1 in its last five games. Korpisalo made 18 stops. A scoreless first period included empty power plays for both sides. Korpisalo made a key save just after Boston's second penalty expired in the opening minute of the second, stretching out to save a try from Alexander Wennberg as he drove down the right wing and cut toward the net. Shortly thereafter, at 2:13, Eklund scored first when he took a crisp cross-ice pass from Celebrini in transition and beat Korpisalo five-hole from the bottom of the left circle. Defenseman Luca Cagnoni, who made his NHL debut earlier this week, had the secondary assist for his first career point in his second game. Boston's push finally resulted in a game-tying goal with 3:10 left in the middle period, as Cole Koepke's forecheck forced an offensive-zone turnover after Georgiev tried to start a puck clearance. Mittlestadt jumped on a loose puck just outside the crease and slammed it home. Shortly before Boston's tying goal, Georgiev saved David Pastrnak's turnaround shot with less than six minutes to go in the second. Georgiev's post-to-post save on the star Bruins winger's one-timer also helped keep the game tied early in the third. The hosts, meanwhile, recorded just one shot on net entering the final five minutes.
