**Boston Bruins Re-Sign Goalie Prospect: What Will His Role Be?**
Just hours before trading goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, the Boston Bruins signed Providence Bruins’ goalie Brandon Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000, slightly less than his qualifying offer of $787,500. Bussi, now out of minor league options, must pass waivers if sent down during the season.
Bussi, who went undrafted, was signed out of Western Michigan University. The Sound Beach, New York native has yet to play in the NHL but has shown promise in Providence. Over two seasons with the Baby Bruins, the 25-year-old has mostly been the starter, sharing some time with Michael DiPietro last season. In his first full pro season in 2022-23, Bussi recorded a 22-5-4 record with a .924 save percentage and a 2.40 goals-against average (GAA). This past season, he went 23-10-5 with a .913 save percentage and a 2.67 GAA. DiPietro, acquired in a trade for Jack Studnicka, posted an 18-9-2 record with a .918 save percentage and a 2.51 GAA.
With veteran goaltender Joonas Korpisalo joining the team as part of the Ullmark trade, competition for the backup role behind Jeremy Swayman will be intense. Korpisalo had a subpar year with the Senators but has performed better with a lighter workload in previous seasons. Both 25-year-old Bussi and DiPietro are projected to be AHL options but will need to go through waivers if not on the NHL roster, making them potential targets for other teams.
The Bruins now have strong organizational depth in goaltending, led by goaltender guru Bob Essensa. The key question is whether Korpisalo will secure the backup role or if the Bruins will trade or buy him out. Regardless, Brandon Bussi has one more year to prove himself to the Boston Bruins.
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