The Boston Bruins could pull off a late-summer blockbuster trade to land one of the most talked-about players this offseason: Erik Karlsson.
The Penguins are looking to shed themselves of the final two years of Karlsson’s contract. But they also need goaltending help. So, the Bruins could make a solid trade partner by sending Joonas Korpisalo to Pittsburgh.
The Penguins have been looking to unload Karlsson’s $10 million cap hit as the veteran blue liner no longer fits the team’s plans. However, the Penguins have a glaring need in the crease. The club traded for Arturs Silovs earlier this summer. But that move doesn’t solve the club’s need for steady goaltending, as Tristan Jarry remains the club’s default starter.
That’s why adding Korpisalo to the mix could allow the Penguins to move on from Jarry and build a decent tandem.
So, here’s what the trade could look like:
Bruins get:
Erik Karlsson, D
2026 second-round pick
Penguins get:
Joonas Korpisalo, G
Andrew Peeke, D
The Bruins get a second-rounder from the Penguins for their troubles in taking Karlsson off their hands. Also, the Bruins would send Andrew Peeke to the Penguins, as there would be a need to open up a roster spot on the blue line. As such, Karlsson would be taking over Peeke’s spot.
Bruins Would Need Penguins to Retain Salary on Karlsson
In this trade scenario, the Bruins would be clearing up about $5 million in cap space by moving Korpisalo and Peeke.
That cap space would be added to the roughly $2 million the Bruins currently have available. That’s about $7 million the Bruins would have to bring in Karlsson. That situation would likely force the Penguins to retain about $3 million of Karlsson’s salary for the next two seasons.
While the Penguins would rather not retain any salary, it’s tough to see a deal in which they wouldn’t have to.
It’s worth keeping in mind that Karlsson has a full no-movement clause. As a result, Karlsson controls where he can be traded to. That’s why this trade pitch assumes the Penguins defenseman would agree to go to Boston. That’s a situation the Bruins can take advantage of.
Boston Has Goaltending Options beyond Korpisalo
This trade idea also takes one thing into account. The Bruins have options in the crease. The club could move on from Korpisalo, as Michael Dipietro is ready to take over the backup role with the team.
Dipietro has shown promising AHL-level numbers. That prospect could prompt the Bruins to give Dipietro the backup role behind Jeremy Swayman. Dipietro also comes with an $813K cap hit, far less than Korpisalo’s $3 million price tag.
At this point, the Bruins have the luxury of moving Korpisalo to a team that needs a solid goalie. The Penguins fit that description and could unload Erik Karlsson for far below their asking price just to get a solid netminder into the mix.
With more than a month left before the opening of training camps, there’s still time for one more late-summer blockbuster move.
