New goalie Joonas Korpisalo thinks he’ll fit in well with the Bruins

“It was a surprise, but as the days went by I was really happy,” Korpisalo said. “I’m excited to be back here and just working with the guys.

“Things happen for a reason. I’m here now and I’m super excited.”

Korpisalo, who has been playing for nine years, is expected to be Swayman’s primary backup, though he could be given a larger role in the unlikely event that Swayman, currently a restricted free agent, cannot reach an agreement on a new contract.

“I don’t know, we’ll see,” Korpisalo said. “We’re both doing what we can, and I think the coaches know more. We’re just doing our thing, so we’ll see.”

Korpisalo (115-107-29, average 3.06 goals conceded) is particularly interested in working with a goalkeeping coach Bob Essensawho helped lead three Bruins goalies (Tim Thomas, Tuukka Raskand Ullmark) for the Vezina Trophies.

“Seeing Boston’s goalies play here, I’m really excited to see Bob and work with him and see what he has in mind to improve my game,” Korpisalo said. “We’ve talked a lot. He’s not here yet, but we’ve been catching up all summer.”

In an ideal world, the Bruins would like Korpisalo to recapture the form he showed late in his season with the Kings in 2023 after being traded by the Blue Jackets.

Largely based on that performance, Korpisalo signed a five-year, $20 million contract with Ottawa, with the Senators paying 25 per cent of that contract, which runs through 2027-28.

“It was a good period,” Korpisalo said. “It was a good team. I got there pretty late, 10-15 games before the playoffs. But there’s something you can learn from the playoffs. We didn’t make it. But I had good periods, too. I’m just me. That’s about it.”

He isn’t too concerned about how he’ll fit into the Bruins’ system.

“We only have one job, and that’s to stop the puck, so it’s the same on every team,” Korpisalo said. “Obviously, how the defensemen play and what the game requires when you’re playing with the puck. I think that’s the most important thing for the goalie and special teams.”

Korpisalo, who spent part of the summer in his native Finland, wore a vintage outfit Bruce Springsteen A concert T-shirt with the words “Born in the USA” in the locker room.

“I was in Helsinki a month ago, that’s where I bought it,” said Korpisalo, who cited “Born in the USA” as his favorite Boss song. “Oh yeah, he came to Helsinki. He hasn’t been there many times. (I saw him) for the first time in 2012 and again this summer.”

Taking care of something

Thursday’s session was split into two parts, with a lot of emphasis on working in a three-on-three formation, which gave a lot of work to Swayman, Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi … Assistant Coach John McLean he did some conditioning sprints with the soldiers (think about it) Coat of Arms Brooks in Norway: “One more time”) just before halftime… The Bruins may have stumbled upon a new secret shooting weapon, as the defender Drew Bavaro showed some clever moves, beating Swayman on three consecutive attempts before Swayman thwarted the rook attack on two consecutive attempts… Like on Tuesday, the captain Brad Marchand skated before practice, continuing to improve after three summer surgeries (elbow, groin, sports hernia) … New Bruin Elias Lindholm he used to be a line mate Johnny Gaudreau with Flames. Johnny and his brother’s death Matthew Gaudreau The past week has been painful for Lindholm. “It was tough,” he said. “I’ve only talked about it with my wife. Now, when I talk about it, it gives me chills. It’s a little emotional. He was a good friend. Yeah, it’s tough.” … Kristian Kostadinskiwhom the Bruins drafted in the seventh round in 2023, has committed to play at Boston College for the 2024-25 academic year. The 6-foot-6 Swedish defenseman is scheduled to play for Dubuque in the USHL this season. “I am incredibly grateful and honored to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey at Boston College,” he wrote on Instagram.

Jim McBride can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @globejimmcbride.