Is Boston’s Linus Ullmark Trade a Bust?
The Boston Bruins made the decision to transfer goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Mark Kastelic, goalie Joonas Korpisalo, and the team’s original 2024 NHL Draft selection—the 25th pick—prior to Boston’s acquisition of Tyler Bertuzzi. After Ottawa kept $1 million,
Korpisalo will cost Boston $3 million over the next four years, and Ullmark has refused to extend his contract with the Senators. With one more year remaining on his contract at $835,000, Kastelic will become a restricted free agency following the 2024–2025 season.
It’s possible that Ullmark’s decision to play out the season and explore the free agent market has somewhat diminished his worth as a previous Vezina Trophy winner. However, extensions cannot be filed until July 1st, giving the Senators more time to finalize their agreement with Ullmark. After playing in 130 games,
the Swedish goalie finished with an 88-26-10 record, 2.28 goals against average, and a.924 save percentage. He is leaving Boston. The 2012 sixth-round selection and teammate Jeremy Swayman had a great bond and enjoyed time together.
A greater workload has been difficult for Korpisalo. This season, the 6-foot-3 goalie has an.890 save % and a 3.27 goals against average in 55 games. The 30-year-old’s career stats include a 3.06 GAA and a.901 save percentage.
Korpisalo is expected to be the Bruins’ backup goalie after Swayman. If a buyout is being considered, these are the terms: The Bruins would be subject to a salary cap hit of $250,000 in 2024–2025; $625,000 in 2025–2026; $1.375 million in 2026–2027; $1.75 million in 2027–2028; and $1 million per season in 2030–2031 after that
