On June 24, the Boston Bruins traded goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in a three-player transaction.
Boston acquired forward Mark Kastelic, the 25th overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from Ottawa. The senators will also keep 25% of Korpisalo’s contract.
TRADE ALERT: The #Sens have acquired G Linus Ullmark from @NHLBruins in exchange for (Boston’s original) ’24 first-round draft pick (no. 25 overall), C Mark Kastelic and G Joonas Korpisalo. As part of the transaction, the #Sens will retain 25% of Korpisalo’s remaining salary.… pic.twitter.com/0xRMxi8wZS
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) June 24, 2024
Ullmark had been the target of trade rumors long before the trade deadline. The goaltender is in the final year of his four-year, $20 million contract with Boston, which he signed on July 28, 2021.
In 2023, Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender. Last season, Ullmark went 22-10-7 with a 2.57 GAA and.915 save percentage.
Korpisalo, who signed a five-year $20 million contract with Ottawa on July 1, 2023, will make his return in Boston. However, Korpisalo underperformed in his only season with the Sens and will now serve as Jeremy Swayman’s backup. However, with Ottawa keeping 25% of his pay, the goalkeeper will only earn $3 million over the following four seasons.
Korpisalo finished 21-26-4 with the Senators last season, with a 3.27 GAA and.890 SV%.
Along with Korpisalo, Boston acquired Kastelic, who had 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in 63 games with the Senators. The Bruins also got the 25th overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, which will take place on June 28.
Senators Working on Extension for Ullmark
As Ullmark approaches the end of his contract, it was expected that he would be traded with an extension in place. However, no extension was part of the deal because Ullmark is not allowed to sign one until July 1.
However, according to the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch, the Senators and Ullmark are already discussing an extension.
Ullmark has been traded to Ottawa. Two sides working on an extension #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 24, 2024
“Ullmark has been traded to Ottawa. Two sides working on an extension,” Garrioch reported.
Ullmark did just that as the trade to Ottawa became official on June 24.
Bruins Fans Disappointed With Return
After the trade was made official, Bruins fans rushed to social media to express their displeasure with the transaction.
FOR THAT?????????
— Lauren (@bigbruinsenergy) June 24, 2024
“How do u get fleeced by the poverty Senators LMAO,” tweeted a supporter.
“You got fleeced,” another fan commented.
Many Bruins supporters were dismayed that Boston agreed to take on Korpisalo’s contract.
This trade stinks. Could’ve got more. I hate it so much https://t.co/1hxsKqtiVT
— Mike Grinnell (@MikeGrinnell_) June 24, 2024
“Bruins taking the L on this one,” a fan wrote.
“Sens sent out joke trade and Boston accidentally hit accept,” an observer stated.
Boston fans are clearly upset with the return, whilst Senators fans are ecstatic with the transaction to secure a real No. 1 goalie.
CHEF STAIOS MASTERCLASS
— SENS TALK (@senstalk_) June 24, 2024
“If I’m an Ottawa fan I’d be jumping with joy,” a fan added.
“Good trade, hopefully this comes with his signing next,” a fan posted.
Several Senators supporters expressed hope that this signifies Ullmark will sign an extension to be the starter goaltender in Ottawa.