THN.com/podcast. From The Hockey News Podcast: Kings' Luc Robitaille on Kopitar, Jerseys and More Joonas Korpisalo [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3NTQ3MTMzNzkwODU3MTE1/usatsi_20547147.jpg] Joonas Korpisalo The Los Angeles Kings acquired Joonas Korpisalo from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline to bolster their goaltending depth. The 28-year-old Finn's performance could earn him a longer stay in Los Angeles. Despite getting pulled in Game 5 of the Kings' first-round series with the Edmonton Oilers, Korpisalo had a save percentage of .918 in the previous four games. He also put up solid numbers down the stretch, winning seven of 11 starts with a 2.13 goals-against average and a save percentage of .921. Korpisalo's play was what the Kings once hoped to see from Cal Petersen when they signed him to a three-year, $15-million contract extension in September 2021. Considered the heir apparent to Jonathan Quick, Petersen lasted only 10 games this season before being sent to the minors. The Kings have Pheonix Copley under contract for next season for $1.5 million. However, their acquisition of Korpisalo indicated they wanted someone with more experience as their starter. On April 21, The Athletic's Eric Duhatschek [https://theathletic.com/4437317/2023/04/21/stanley-cup-playoffs-avalanche-kraken-crosby-mcdavid/] noted how well Korpisalo integrated into the Kings' lineup following his acquisition from Columbus. Regardless of what happens in this series with the Oilers, he suggested Korpisalo could fill their need for a starter beyond this season. The Kings have a projected $6.7 million in cap space next season with 19 roster players under contract, according to CapFriendly [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/kings]. They have room to re-sign Korpisalo to an affordable short-term deal but must also ensure they leave sufficient cap space to re-sign RFA winger Gabriel Vilardi. Unless the Kings can shed some salary for Korpisalo, he could be tempted to test this summer's free-agent market. He could prove enticing for clubs seeking experienced depth between the pipes.
