Columbus Blue Jackets TRADE G Joonas Korpisalo and D Vladislav Gavrikhov: 1.1.23
Well, I can't believe I got this prediction right on my Facebook Page yesterday. When Joonas Korpisalo was removed from last night's Buffalo Sabers Game with a potential trade pending, I theorized that there could be a trade happening in which Vladislav Gavrikhov and he would go to the same team. Today, we found out that is very much the case; the two are now L.A. Kings.
This is painful to some fans, myself included, as Joonas Korpisalo has always played his NHL Hockey with us here in Columbus. We took him in the 2012 Draft, with our First Pick in Round 3. He's played in the AHL as a Monster for us, represented us in the Playoffs, and also in the Global Series 2022, which took place in his home country of Finland. Recently, his wife and himself also had their first child, a son. It's incredible to think of how much of his life has happened in his time here with us and how much we'll watch happen across the United States in L.A. now. I wish him the very best.
As a whole, Joonas Korpisalo has played a total of 210 NHL Games and was the starting goaltender in 190 of them. 97-78-24 being his ultimate record in net. One of his highlight moments came on August 11, 2020, Playoff Bubble, where the Columbus Blue Jackets played a 5 Overtime game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. We ultimately lost that game 3-2, but Korpisalo set the NHL Record with 85 saves. This record still stands today.
The second player we lost in this trade is Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikhov. He was another original Columbus Blue Jackets Draft Pick, taken in 2015 with the 8th Pick in Round 6. He played in 256 games, scoring 15 goals of his own and assisting on an additional 58, giving him a grand total of 73 points in a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey. His impact on the franchise was also great, and after 4 years in the NHL, it's hard to say goodbye to him as well.
So, for these two experienced NHL Players, you're likely wondering who and/or what the Columbus Blue Jackets received in return? Johnathan Quick is the first answer to that question. He's an exceptional goaltender who's played 16 seasons with the L.A. Kings. He's also helped lead that team to 2 Stanley Cups. In 27 starts this season, he's gone 11-13-4. That is not bad at all for a 37-year-old goalie with that many seasons and 743 games under his belt.
In addition to Quick, we've also received the L.A. King's 3rd Round 2024 NHL Draft Pick. In addition, there is also a conditional 1st Round 2023 Pick on the table as well. Here's how it breaks down:
Source: Jeff Svoboda @JacketsInsider, Twitter. 1/1/23:
"#CBJ
NEWS: The Blue Jackets have acquired from the Los Angeles Kings:
-G Joonas Korpisalo"
Second Tweet:
"The conditions on the #CBJ trade with LA:
If the Kings do not qualify, the Blue Jackets will acquire L.A.'s second round picks in '23 and '24."
So, clearly, we're not rooting for the Kings to make the 2023 NHL Playoffs. Right now, the odds don't look too bad as they're 34-20-8, which makes them 2nd in their Pacific Division.
Good luck to all players involved. Also, I don't know about you, 5th Line, but I'm inquisitive to see if there's another trade in the works, or if Quick remains here with us, as these rumors have been swirling since this deal above happened. If he does stay, will he start on Friday night? This is all so very interesting and part of why I love covering this NHL Team so much!
Go CBJ!
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