This new Boston Bruins goalie could end up having a big role if things don't change quickly.
This new Boston Bruins goalie could end up having a big role if things don't change quickly.
Boston Bruins star goalie Jeremy Swayman remains a restricted free agent with training camp here. This has naturally caused plenty of concern among Bruins fans, as Swayman is the club's No. 1 goalie. This is especially so with the Bruins trading away star goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators this summer.
At this juncture, the Bruins and Swayman still have plenty to work out before a deal comes to fruition. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney expressed confidence that Swayman will be signed by Dec. 1. However, if Swayman remains unsigned once the regular season starts in October, the Bruins will start the year without their true starter. Newcomer Joonas Korpisalo would likely serve as Swayman's temporary replacement in the role if so.
Korpisalo, 30, held the starter role with the Senators this past campaign, and it was a brutal year for the nine-year veteran. In 55 games, he had a 21-26-4 record, a 3.27 goals-against average (GAA), and a .890 save percentage (SV%). While he had a rough year, he could still be a serviceable short-term starter option for the Bruins if Swayman is still without a deal at the start of the season.
Just back in 2022-23, Korpisalo had an 18-14-4 record, a .914 SV%, and a 2.87 GAA split between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings. In addition, after being dealt to the Kings and having a stronger defense in front of him, he had a 7-3-1 record, a 2.13 GAA, and a .921 SV% in 11 appearances. With the Bruins having one of the best bluelines in the NHL, he undoubtedly is a prime bounce-back candidate. This is especially so when noting that Ottawa's defense was very weak last season.
While Korpisalo would not make up for the loss if Swayman is still unsigned once the regular season is here, he could stop the bleeding a bit if he turns things around. We will need to wait and see what happens with the Swayman deal from here. If a new contract is still not finalized by Boston's season opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 8, Korpisalo could be the top goalie for the Bruins.
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