New Jersey Devils: 5 Free Agent Goalie Options
By Nick Villano
Joonas Korpisalo
This one might get too expensive for the Devils, but it’s definitely worth a shot. Joonas Korpisalo might be the best option in unrestricted free agency. That usually ends with people overpaying for players, but goalies tend to be different. Korpisalo is especially different because he hasn’t been incredibly consistent, but that could scare people away. Korpisalo seemed to find some consistency this season, which is why the Los Angeles Kings went after him.
Korpisalo had a .921 save percentage after his trade to the Kings. He was even .913 with the Blue Jackets, a terrible team this season.
However, this comes with serious worries. Korpisalo had an .877 save percentage last season. He was considered the worst starter in the NHL. To be fair, the entire Blue Jackets goalie room was going through tragedy after the death of Matiss Kivlenieks. Who knows the impact grief has on a person.
Korpisalo is just 29 years old, so he has some time left in his prime. Would the Devils be willing to go three years on a deal? Is that even worthwhile? What would it cost? There are a lot of questions here. It might now work, but again, it’s worth a conversation.