Rink Royalty
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Rink Royalty goes behind the scenes with Union and Blue for LAK-CBJ game

By Cameron Franck

Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault (24) faces off against Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) in the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault (24) faces off against Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) in the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports /
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Question No. 4: Joonas Korpisalo seems like a great goaltender. Is the only reason he was available for trade because he is a pending UFA?

"A: “Korpi is one of the most beloved Blue Jackets of all-time. He was drafted by this team and worked his way up slowly, winning the Calder Cup with our AHL team in 2016. Unfortunately, he was never able to fully take the reins in Columbus, stuck behind Sergei Bobrovsky and then Elvis Merzlikins. They wanted to move him last season, but his play had declined to a sub-replacement level, and he went in for season ending hip surgery in January. Some of us thought his career might be in jeopardy, but the Jackets gave him a one year “show me” deal last summer, and he came back a new man this year. There isn’t a Jacket fan out there that isn’t rooting for Korpi to establish himself as a starter in this league. Over the years he accepted his role, never complained and went about his business stopping pucks. He deserves a long-term home.”"

Now on the Kings, Korpi continues to be in the midst of his “show me” year as he has been phenomenal since joining Los Angeles. He has not lost a game since being in net for the black and white, and would be a huge asset to this team next year if he and Rob Blake can come to an agreement this offseason. Los Angeles would love to be his long-term home that Deem references at the end of his quote.

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