The Boston Bruins head into the 2024-25 season with a number of key storylines shaping their roster. From the emergence of Jeremy Swayman because the full-time beginning goalie to rookies competing for top-six roles, there might be no scarcity of speaking factors heading into and throughout the season. One different storyline that isn’t getting as a lot protection but is the Bruins’ reliance on bounce-back seasons from two necessary additions: Elias Lindholm and Joonas Korpisalo. Each gamers come into the season with one thing to show after tough campaigns in 2023-24, however the Bruins consider they’ll return to kind and make important contributions.
Joonas Korpisalo Is A Reclamation Venture in Objective
Korpisalo, acquired within the deal that noticed Linus Ullmark traded to the Ottawa Senators earlier within the offseason, will account for $3 million towards the wage cap for the following 4 seasons, a big however cheap dedication for a participant penciled in because the backup goalie to Swayman this season. Although the Bruins are keen to let Brandon Bussi compete for the job out of coaching camp, there’s something comforting about having a veteran who has expertise each as a backup and a starter to assist spell Swayman in his first season as a starter.
Nonetheless, there’s one thing to be stated about Korpisalo’s current observe report. The 30-year-old is coming off arguably the worst season of his profession, taking part in in 55 video games and placing collectively peripherals that embrace a 3.27 goals-against common, .890 save share and -20.79 goals-saved above common (GSAA). Traditionally, Korpisalo has been inconsistent. He’s had some tough seasons with poor groups in entrance of him, however the Finnish goaltender has additionally proven that, beneath the fitting circumstances, he may be extremely efficient. One in every of Korpisalo’s finest stretches got here throughout his temporary stint with the Los Angeles Kings within the 2022-23 season. After being traded on the deadline, he posted a stellar .921 save share and a couple of.13 goals-against common over 11 video games with the Kings, serving to solidify their playoff place. His efficiency in that stretch demonstrated his skill to excel when given defensive assist and a contemporary begin.
It’s price noting that Korpisalo would play in six postseason video games with the Kings that season and would put collectively a 3.77 goals-against common and 892 save share. In his lone playoff alternative in Columbus, nevertheless, Korpisalo would put collectively a superb 1.90 goals-against common and .941 save share regardless of solely boasting a 3-5 report in these video games. Such a small pattern dimension most likely isn’t price analyzing an excessive amount of, however it’s nonetheless price noting that he’s had his ups and downs within the postseason as properly.
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Whereas his most up-to-date season was a step again, Korpisalo nonetheless has the potential to be an necessary asset for the Bruins. Given his ceiling with the Bruins might be a full-time backup when the group is absolutely wholesome, the stress ought to be decrease for him as properly.
A extra important funding than Korpisalo, nevertheless, was made when the Bruins signed Lindholm to a seven-year deal price $54.25 million, carrying a $7.75 million annual cap hit.
Elias Lindholm Trying to find Offensive Revival
Lindholm enters his first season with the Bruins following a gentle decline in offensive manufacturing during the last three years. After a career-best season in 2021-22, during which he scored 42 targets and tallied 82 factors in 82 video games for the Calgary Flames, Lindholm’s numbers have dipped considerably. Within the 2022-23 season, he recorded 22 targets and 64 factors in 80 video games, although nonetheless respectable, a noticeable step down from his profession highs. Final season, he regressed even additional, placing up simply 15 targets and 44 factors in 65 video games break up between the Flames and the Vancouver Canucks.
Lindholm’s decline is regarding, however it’s necessary to notice that he’s nonetheless not far faraway from his finest NHL season. His 2021-22 season was proof that he has the talent and expertise to be a top-tier ahead within the NHL. His common season was spectacular, as famous, however his playoff manufacturing, 5 targets and 9 factors in 12 video games, additional demonstrated his skill to step up when it issues most. Even final season, regardless of his total struggles, Lindholm discovered success within the postseason, scoring 5 targets and 10 factors in 13 playoff video games with the Canucks. His efficiency in high-pressure conditions makes it cheap to consider that his offensive talents haven’t utterly disappeared, and the Bruins hope he can rediscover that kind.
One key facet of Lindholm’s recreation that might be essential for the Bruins, no matter his offensive output, is his two-way skill. Lindholm has lengthy been identified for his defensive consciousness and his skill to contribute in all conditions. Even throughout his down seasons, he remained a dependable presence on the ice, typically being deployed in key defensive conditions and particular groups. His versatility as a middle who can play in all zones makes him an asset past his offensive contributions. If he can faucet into his offensive talents once more subsequent season taking part in alongside David Pastrnak, he might legitimately transfer the needle for the Bruins.
