On September 24, Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced a significant trade with the Ottawa Senators, acquiring forward Mark Kastelic, goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, and a first-round draft pick in 2024 (25th overall) in exchange for goaltender Linus Ullmark. As part of the deal, Ottawa will cover 25% of Korpisalo’s salary.
Mark Kastelic, 25, has played 63 games in the 2023-24 season, amassing 10 points with five goals and five assists. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 226 pounds, Kastelic has participated in a total of 144 NHL games, all with the Senators, where he has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists for a career total of 25 points. He has been noted for his physical play, ranking third among Senators forwards with 63 penalty minutes and fourth with 126 hits. Kastelic was drafted by Ottawa in the fifth round (125th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Joonas Korpisalo, 30, played 55 games for Ottawa in the 2023-24 season, posting a record of 21 wins, 26 losses, and 4 overtime losses, alongside a 3.27 goals against average and an .890 save percentage.
Measuring 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 189 pounds, Korpisalo has an extensive career in the NHL, having played a total of 276 games across teams including Ottawa, Los Angeles, and Columbus. His overall record stands at 115 wins, 107 losses, and 29 overtime losses, with a career goals against average of 3.06 and a .901 save percentage. He was originally chosen by Columbus in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
In summary, this trade marks a strategic move for the Bruins, bringing in key players who can contribute both offensively and defensively. With the addition of Kastelic’s physicality and Korpisalo’s experience in net, Boston is poised to enhance its roster significantly. The 2024 first-round pick also adds valuable future potential, signaling a commitment to building a competitive team in the coming years. As both teams look to reshape their rosters, this trade represents a pivotal moment for the Bruins as they prepare for the upcoming season.
