When the Ottawa Senators missed out on the 2024 playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, it was still clear that the team needed a true number one goaltender. Prior to the 2023-24 season, the Senators signed Joonas Korpisalo to a five-year deal, $20 million contract.
Korpisalo was a key part to helping the Los Angeles Kings reach the 2023 playoffs, so the Senators were hopeful momentum would carry over. Long story short, Korpisalo didn't have momentum carry over in Ottawa. Korpisalo posted a 21-26-4 record with a 3.27 goals against average and .890 save percentage with Ottawa last season.
After one season, the Senators saw enough of Korpisalo, and were seeking to find a true number one goaltender. The Senators made a trade with the Boston Bruins to trade Korpisalo away and acquire 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark. Just one game into Korpisalo's tenure with the Bruins, the Senators have already made the right decision by trading Korpisalo.
Korpisalo allows in six goals on opening night, Senators are even more happy they traded Korpisalo for Ullmark
Due to Jeremy Swayman's contract situation leading up to the Bruins' first game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers last night, the Bruins announced Korpisalo will start in the season opener. Even though Swayman did sign a contract to stay a Bruin before opening night, the Bruins still started Korpisalo in between the pipes.
Pressure was immediately placed on Korpisalo to start the first game. A fresh start can be needed for players when traded, but Korpisalo's first game as a Bruin was an ugly one. Korpisalo allowed in six goals in the game, including for goals allowed in the first period. The Bruins lost the game by a final score of 6-4.
The Senators are now in a position where they are even more excited to see Ullmark start in goal after Korpisalo's poor performance. Korpisalo was obviously a problem for the Senators last season with his inconsistency, now the Senators can see Ullmark be a standout this season.
Ullmark does have pressure on him having to live up to the expectations with how he played in Boston, and will be the key factor to Ottawa's success this season. However, Ullmark played well in the 2024 preseason and is looking to carry his momentum over into the regular season.
The Senators' opening night is tomorrow night against the Panthers at 7 p.m. ET. When Ullmark has his name announced, the Sens fans at Canadian Tire Centre will erupt with cheers, and excitement will be in the arena all night.