Michael DiPietro Earned Boston Bruins Backup Role
The goaltender secured his spot on the NHL roster following the trade of Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
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Michael DiPietro has officially assumed the backup goaltender position for the Boston Bruins. This promotion follows the July 1 trade of Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers.
Why it matters
The Bruins moved to promote DiPietro to the NHL roster to fill the vacancy created by Korpisalo's departure. This roster adjustment elevates the former AHL stand-out to a permanent spot with the club.
Michael DiPietro signed a contract worth $812,500 for the current season after a stint where he recorded a .930 save percentage. He was previously selected 64th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.
The players
Michael DiPietro
He is the newly appointed backup goaltender for the Boston Bruins who previously excelled in the AHL.
Joonas Korpisalo
He is a professional goaltender who was traded to the New York Rangers by the Boston Bruins.
Boston Bruins
This is a professional NHL franchise based in Boston that competes in the Atlantic Division.
New York Rangers
This is a professional NHL franchise that acquired Joonas Korpisalo in a trade.
Mike Dunham
He is a goaltending development coach who worked with DiPietro to refine his technique.
The details
To reach this level, DiPietro refined his fundamental techniques with goaltending development coach Mike Dunham and worked with sports psychologist Dr. Bob Knauz to improve his mental approach to the game. DiPietro previously won the Aldege Baz Bastien Memorial Award as the most outstanding goalie in the AHL for two consecutive years.
Timeline
2017: Michael DiPietro was selected in the NHL Draft.
October 27, 2022: Vancouver Canucks traded Michael DiPietro to the Boston Bruins.
February 26: Michael DiPietro appeared in one game for the Bruins.
July 1: The Bruins traded Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers.
Season Trajectory
DiPietro's promotion highlights the Bruins' commitment to internal development following the 2017 NHL Draft. This move solidifies the team's depth chart as they look to maintain stability in the crease throughout the season.
DiPietro now enters the rotation as the primary backup, significantly altering the goalie depth chart for the team. Fans and analysts should monitor his usage rates to see how he manages the transition from the AHL to full-time NHL duty.
The takeaway
DiPietro's journey illustrates the importance of combining technical coaching with mental performance training to reach the professional level. Players often spend years in minor league systems before finding a permanent role in an NHL goalie rotation.
Further reading
For more updates on roster changes and team developments, follow Boston Hockey.
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