Is the Linus Ullmark Trade a Bust for Boston?

The Boston Bruins finally pulled the trigger and traded goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators for goalie Joonas Korpisalo, forward Mark Kastelic, and the 25th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, which was originally Boston’s selection before the Tyler Bertuzzi acquisition. Ullmark has not agreed to a contract extension with the Senators, and Korpisalo will cost Boston $3 million for the next four years after Ottawa retained $1 million. Kastelic has one more year left on his deal at $835,000 and will be a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.

Ullmark is rumored to be planning to play out the season and test the free agent market, which might have lowered the former Vezina Trophy winner’s value some. Extensions can not be filed until July 1, however, so there is still time for the Senators to sign a contract with Ullmark. The Swedish netminder leaves Boston after compiling an 88-26-10 record over 130 games played with a 2.28 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. The sixth-round pick in 2012 shared time and a special bond with teammate Jeremy Swayman.

Korpisalo has struggled with a heavier workload. In 55 games this season, the 6-foot-3 netminder registered a 3.27 goals against average and an .890 save percentage. In his career, the 30-year-old has a 3.06 GAA and a .901 save percentage. The Bruins will count on Korpisalo to win the backup job behind Swayman. If a buyout is in the plans, here are the parameters: The Bruins would assume a salary cap hit of $250,000 during the 2024-25 season, $625,000 for the 2025-26 season, $1.375 million for 2026-27, $1.75 million for 2027-28, and then $1 million per season through 2030-31.

Kastelic is a big forward with speed and snarl. The 6-foot-4, 226-pound center scored five goals with five assists in 7:43 of average ice time this season. Kastelic can fight and play a physical game and is respected by teammates. There will not be a lot of offensive production, but the fifth-round pick in 2019 can win faceoffs and provide a presence on the ice.

The first-round pick is a wild card for sure. The draft seems top-heavy and then fairly thin after the first 10-15 picks. The Bruins need prospects, particularly at center. Keep an eye on Guelph Storm center Jett Luchanko. The Bruins chose former Guelph center Matt Poitras in 2022 and could go back to the well with the 17-year-old Luchanko, who has the speed, skill, and hockey IQ to be an effective NHL player at some point.

The return for Linus Ullmark has certainly been scrutinized, but it is yet to be seen if the Bruins have a further plan with Korpisalo, a player they love in the draft, or a role for Kastelic. Look for Boston to continue to be busy as July 1 approaches.

Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. – Bruins Benders Podcast

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