Trade Proposal Sees Red Wings Acquiring $20 Million Goalie in Exchange for Netminders
The Detroit Red Wings, who have struggled to find consistent goaltending in recent years, are once again at the center of trade rumors involving a goalie. A proposed trade from the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia suggests a deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Joonas Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings receive:
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Joonas Korpisalo
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2026 sixth-round pick
Bruins receive:
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Cam Talbot
This trade could make sense for both teams. Boston would get a more experienced backup to Jeremy Swayman, while Korpisalo, who is looking for a starting role, would have the opportunity to fight for the top spot in Detroit.
Korpisalo, who has three years left on his five-year, $20 million contract, would be a valuable addition to the Red Wings. Despite a challenging season, where he posted a 11-10-3 record with a 2.90 GAA and .893 SV%, the Red Wings could give him a chance to compete for the starting role while offering veteran support for Sebastian Cossa, a promising young goalie who may become the team’s future starter. Additionally, Detroit would get a late-round draft pick.
On the other hand, the Bruins would acquire Cam Talbot, who’s in the final year of his two-year, $5 million contract. Talbot, now 37, has seen his role diminish, making him more suited for a backup job behind Swayman. Last season, he posted a 21-19-5 record with a 2.93 GAA and a .901 SV%. Talbot is a two-time NHL All-Star, but at this point, he would provide experienced backup to Swayman in Boston.
Red Wings Need Better Goaltending Next Season
Detroit missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive year, and goaltending has been a significant factor in their struggles. The Red Wings used both Talbot and Petr Mrazek last season, but head coach Todd McLellan has acknowledged that better goaltending is needed to make the team more competitive next season.
McLellan emphasized at the year-end press conference that it wasn’t just a reflection on goaltending coach Alex Westlund, who was let go, but a need for improvement across the board.
“We need better goaltending, and that’s not just on Alex Westlund,” McLellan said. “That’s on the goaltenders, the head coach, and everybody else involved.”
The Red Wings do have top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa coming up, but for next season, McLellan is looking for more consistency and performance from the team’s netminders to help them compete.
Korpisalo Seeks More Playing Time
Korpisalo was traded from Ottawa to Boston last offseason, where he served as Swayman’s backup. However, after several years as a starting goalie, Korpisalo expressed frustration with his role and the limited playing time, which was around 20 to 25 games.
“There’s no goalie in the league who’s comfortable playing 20 to 25 games,” Korpisalo said in April. “I’m going to push for more games, and we’ll see what happens.”
Korpisalo made it clear that he wants a larger role next season and is willing to work hard to earn more playing time. Given his desire to start more games, a trade this offseason could be the best solution for both him and the Red Wings.
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