This edition of The Hockey News’ Hot Seat Radar focuses on the Boston Bruins. Here, we identify players feeling the pressure to perform and those secure in their positions.
The Bruins: A Solid Team in Flux
While the 2023-24 season saw the Bruins as a strong contender, their roster underwent significant changes this offseason. Let’s take a look at who’s feeling the heat and who’s cruising comfortably.
Bruins’ Hot Seat: Joonas Korpisalo, Goalie
Unlike most Bruins players and management, Korpisalo finds himself under the microscope. Acquired from Ottawa in exchange for dependable veteran Linus Ullmark, Korpisalo will serve as Jeremy Swayman’s backup. This move came at a cost, with Ottawa retaining only 25% of Korpisalo’s $4 million salary. Still, $3 million for a backup with less-than-stellar stats (3.27 GAA and .890 SV% in 2023-24) is a significant cap hit.
With his history of bouncing between teams and underwhelming performance, Korpisalo is essentially a reclamation project for the Bruins. Their hope is that playing behind a strong Boston defense will improve his stats. However, the pressure is on. If Korpisalo falters, forcing Boston to rely heavily on Swayman, the trade will be deemed a failure. This is Korpisalo’s chance to revive his career, and he’ll need a significant bounce-back season.
Bruins’ Cold Seat: David Pastrnak, Right Wing
Pastrnak remains unfazed by any heat. Once again, he led the Bruins in scoring, setting a career-high with 110 points (63 assists) in 82 games. This 28-year-old winger is in his prime and a leader on and off the ice, solidifying his position with his massive eight-year contract ($11.25 million AAV). Short of a blockbuster trade involving someone like McDavid or MacKinnon, Pastrnak will be a Bruin for a long time.
Pastrnak’s 2023-24 performance earned him a Second All-Star Team selection. He’s a frontrunner for prestigious awards like the Rocket Richard Trophy, Hart Trophy, and Art Ross Trophy this coming season. This elite player has become a Boston icon, and his future with the team is secure. Pastrnak can focus on contributing to the Bruins’ win-now campaign without worrying about his position.
Looking Ahead
The Bruins are ready to compete, and with a mix of established talent like Pastrnak and potential in players like Korpisalo, this season promises to be exciting in Beantown. Stay tuned for more NHL Hot Seat Radar updates
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