2 Potential Trade Destinations For Bruins' Korpisalo

Joonas Korpisalo wasn't too happy about how last season went as he didn't play much even though he had similar numbers to starter Jeremy Swayman for the Boston Bruins. Partly because of that, and partially due to Michael DiPietro arguably being ready to play NHL games, Korpisalo's name has come up in trade rumors.

James Murphy said, "trade rumors continue to surround the Boston Bruins, with Joonas Korpisalo and Pavel Zacha's names consistently coming up." Korpisalo has a 10-team no trade list and there aren't too many teams that could use his services, especially if the Bruins don't retain salary. The veteran has three years left on his contract at $3 million AAV because the Ottawa Senators retained a bit. He went 11-10-3 with a 2.90 GAA, .893 SV%, and three shutouts last season, but started just 24 games compared to Swayman, who went 22-29-7 with a 3.11 GAA, .892 SV%, and four shutouts in 58 starts. Swayman also didn't replace Korpisalo once while Korpisalo had to come in three times throughout the season to replace Swayman during a game.

Korpisalo may not have a secured role immediately, but there are two teams that will very likely need his services at some point next season and have space to make a trade.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to win the Stanley Cup, so goaltending can't stand in their way. The numbers weren't great last season, but the bigger concern is always health with Frederik Andersen. The third-string goalie is Cayden Primeau, and I wouldn't exactly trust him with games in the NHL after posting a 4.70 GAA and .836 SV% for the Montreal Canadiens last season in 11 games (7 starts). The Hurricanes have more than enough cap space and are reportedly still looking to make some upgrades. Andersen is only signed for one more year and Pyotr Kochetkov is signed for two, but it doesn't seem like the latter is cut out for the starter role just yet, or he might not ever be. Korpisalo would definitely be playing in the NHL next season for the Hurricanes if acquired and there would be no worry about their goaltending situation. He would also get a bigger role for the two remaining years on his contract after 2025-26.

Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken seem to be set on going into the season with Philipp Grubauer still under contract, which I think is a mistake. The veteran hasn't been good at all for the team since their inception and has two years left on his deal at $5.9 million AAV. He was sent to the AHL last season for a time to work on his game, but the 33-year-old had the worst of his four seasons in Seattle with the fewest games played, highest GAA, and lowest SV%. He is the backup at best now with Joey Daccord and I can't see Grubauer's game getting much better after being consistently poor for four seasons now. Korpisalo could at least come in and be the backup as this should be Grubauer's last chance. Matt Murray is in the minors, but he isn't an NHL goalie anymore. He will be good for the AHL team next season.