Linus Ullmark Trade Revisited: Win-Win For Bruins, Senators?

The Boston Bruins knew they were getting rid of a Vezina Trophy-caliber goaltender when they traded Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in June.

It’s tough to get commensurate compensation on a player like that, but the Bruins have to be satisfied with the early returns on the trade.

Joonas Korpisalo has done his part in net, forming a strong tandem with Jeremy Swayman while Mark Kastelic, somewhat of an afterthought in the deal, turned into a valuable sparkplug on Boston’s fourth line. The Bruins also got a first-round pick in the deal and used that selection on Dean Letourneau, who currently is playing for one of the top college teams in the country at Boston College.

Ullmark has been solid for the Senators, but not the dominant version of himself that he showed for the majority of his three seasons with the Bruins. He has posted a 2-4 record with a 3.02 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage.

Korpisalo bested those marks in the early going, compiling a 3-2 mark in net with a 2.72 goals-against average and .900 save percentage. Korpisalo’s goals-against average and save percentage are actually even better than Swayman’s (3.14 GAA/.894) at the moment.

The Senators surely will get more out of Ullmark going forward. He proved with the Bruins he’s one of the best goalies in the NHL and the Senators are banking on that after handing him a four-year, $33 million contract extension prior to the start of the season.

The Bruins have to be happy with the production from Korpisalo to fill the void left by Ullmark and absolutely thrilled with what they have received from Kastelic. Kastelic already has three goals and four assists for seven points — just four shy of his career high — in just 15 games.

The Bruins probably wouldn’t undo the trade if they had a chance. Same goes for the Senators. But with Kastelic contributions, the Bruins have edged the Senators in winning the trade early on.