Bruins Trade Ullmark to the Senators…Get Korpisalo & 1st Round Pick Back – Hockey Writers – Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators acquired forward Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins. Returning to the deal is a 2024 first-round draft pick (25th overall), Mark Kastelic, and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (25 percent/$1 million reserve).

This agreement comes after weeks of rumors that there might be an agreement between the two clubs. The Senators were in dire need of an upgrade in net, and the Bruins had an abundance of star goaltenders. There were many teams interested in acquiring Ullmark, but the Senators had the biggest need.

Senators Get Vezina-Winning Goaltender

The last time the Ottawa Senators had a goalie with this kind of pedigree was a long time ago. Since Craig Anderson left, the Senators have had a carousel of goals, and none of them have been successful. Former general manager Pierre Dorion signed Korpisalo to a five-year, $4 million per season contract hoping he would be the solution, but less than a year after signing new general manager Steve Staios, he will continue his contract to improve.

Ullmark, 30 years old, is in the final year of his $5 million per season contract. Although a contract extension cannot be signed until July 1, there is likely to be a handshake agreement for an extension agreed upon before the trade. A five- or six-year deal worth around $7 million would make sense for both parties, and Ottawa would be happy to have a stable star goaltender.

Bruins Get Their Draft Pick

The Bruins traded their 2024 first-round pick to the Detroit Red Wings for Tyler Bertuzzi, and Detroit sent the same to Ottawa in the Alex DeBrincat deal. The Ullmark trade brings the pick full circle, making it the 25th overall pick for the Bruins as well.

Related: Senators Have Been a Goaltending Carousel Since Anderson

Having the tandem of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman was a joy. The Bruins knew they had an opportunity to acquire real assets for their backup goaltender, and any team in that situation would have agreed to a trade that made sense, especially since Swayman needed a new, potentially big contract.

The return may be a disappointment to some Bruins fans. The first-round pick has a good amount of value, and Mark Kastelic is a solid depth center who can play physically and bring energy to the lineup. As for taking Korpisalo, many thought it wouldn't make sense for Boston to take him. Korpisalo, who will make $3 million with the Bruins after the reservation, and Kastelic who will make about a million, make the cap difference almost unchanged this season. Korpisalo isn't as bad of a goaltender as his numbers in Ottawa. He's had great seasons all season and has the ability to play behind Swayman.