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Columbus Blue Jackets Future in Net: Joonas Koprisalo

By Michael Mallory

Feb 16, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) makes a glove save on a shot from Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) makes a glove save on a shot from Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joonas Korpisalo has been a pleasant surprise for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets 2015-2016 season has been one that fans have wanted to forget ever since the team started 0-8. There have been bright spots throughout the lineup with Cam Atkinson, Brandon Saad, and Boone Jenner being a few that come to mind, but the biggest bright spot has to be rookie goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Finnish goalie was the team’s 3rd round pick in 2012.

Joonas Korpisalo is a name that very few fans would have even known before the season because his first American professional hockey season was last year appearing in 3 games for the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, Springfield Falcons. Korpisalo did not record a single win in those three games with the Falcons.

Korpisalo came into the season as the backup to Anton Forsberg for the team’s new affiliate, the Lake Erie Monster. With injuries a rash of injuries occurring to Blue Jackets goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Curtis McElhinney, Korpisalo was given an opportunity with the Jackets.

Korpisalo took advantage of his time with the Blue Jackets leading the team in save percentage, goals against average, and wins. Joonas was just meant to be a placeholder for when Bobrovsky and McElhinney got healthy, but he became a place taker.

Joonas Korpisalo’s play has now opened the door to the question of what do the Blue Jackets do in net next year. The number one goalie next year without a question is Sergei Bobrovsky, but who will be his number one back up? Current backup Curtis McElhinney still has another year on his contract which muddies up an obvious decision.

Korpisalo has proven that he can handle playing goalie in the NHL and deserves to back up Bobrovsky. Some fans have even said that the club should trade Bobrovsky with the emergence of the young goaltender. Losing Bobrovsky would be one of the biggest mistakes that the club could make.

Bobrovsky has not been able to hit his stride because of injury, and him having a viable backup will give coach John Tortorella the flexibility in net that an NHL team needs to be successful. Korpisalo will be able to give Bobrovsky nights off without worrying if his backup could handle the pressure.

Joonas Korpisalo will also be able to learn what it means to be a true NHL number one behind one of the league’s top goaltenders. This change if the Blue Jackets decide to make it will be both beneficial to the organization and Korpisalo.

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