Boston Bruins face pivotal decision on DiPietro’s future
The Boston Bruins find themselves at a critical crossroads with goalie Michael DiPietro. At 26, the talented netminder has shown promise in the AHL, but the reality is stark: if the Bruins decide to send him to the AHL this season, he will inevitably have to clear waivers. This scenario poses a considerable risk for Boston, as they could potentially lose a developing goalie without receiving anything in return.
Current Goalie Landscape
With Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo firmly established as the Bruins’ top two goalies, the team is faced with a pressing decision. The likelihood of moving Swayman seems remote, given his stature within the organization. Thus, the options narrow to either trading Korpisalo or taking the gamble that DiPietro can slip through waivers unclaimed. However, given the current demand for reliable, cost-effective goaltending, it is improbable that DiPietro would clear waivers; teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Columbus Blue Jackets would likely be eager to acquire a player of his caliber.
Trade Considerations
The most straightforward path may involve moving Korpisalo to a team in dire need of goaltending stability. However, the timing of such a move remains uncertain. Injuries or unexpected developments, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs signing veteran James Reimer to a professional tryout after Joseph Woll’s absence, can shift the landscape rapidly. If no team is willing to part with assets for Korpisalo, they may instead wait for waiver opportunities to arise.
Carrying Three Goalies
An intriguing possibility for the Bruins is to carry three goalies at the start of the season. With just over $2 million in cap space, they could accommodate DiPietro’s salary without placing him on waivers. This strategy would allow the Bruins to retain DiPietro while assessing the market for goaltending needs as the season progresses. Should injuries strike other teams, the Bruins could capitalize on those unfortunate situations.
DiPietro’s AHL Performance
DiPietro’s AHL performance last season underscores his potential. In 40 games with Providence, he recorded an impressive 2.95 goals-against average (GAA) and a .927 save percentage (SV%). His playoff showing was even more remarkable, boasting a 1.85 GAA and a .928 SV% over seven games. Such statistics are likely to attract attention from NHL teams in search of goaltending talent.
Learning from Recent Precedents
The Vancouver Canucks recently navigated a similar predicament with Calder Cup MVP Arturs Silovs, who they proactively traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins to avoid losing him to waivers. Silovs excelled in the AHL but faced challenges at the NHL level, raising questions about whether DiPietro can make a similar leap. If the Bruins harbor doubts about DiPietro’s ability to replicate his AHL success in the NHL, they may opt to retain the more established duo of Swayman and Korpisalo.
In this fluid and uncertain landscape, the Bruins face an intricate decision that could shape their goaltending future. As the season approaches, how they navigate DiPietro’s potential and their overall roster strategy will be pivotal.
