Michael Dipietro looking to force his way into Bruins goalie picture

Michael DiPietro: Forcing His Way Toward the Bruins’ Crease

A Season Devouring the AHL

In the 2024–25 campaign, Michael DiPietro emerged as the AHL’s premier goaltender, starring as the Providence Bruins’ backbone. He posted a 26‑8‑5 record over 40 appearances, boasting a 2.05 GAA, a .927 save percentage, and four shutouts—ranking among the league leaders in all three categories. His performance earned him AHL First All-Star Team honors and the prestigious Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the league’s most outstanding goalie .

Multiple NHL Call‑Ups, But No Games Yet

While Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo make up Boston’s NHL depth chart, DiPietro has been on the NHL radar. He’s been recalled several times as a responsive option—most notably on January 23, 2025, when he was promoted to back up in response to Swayman’s minor injury. Despite not seeing game action, the recall demonstrated Boston’s belief in his readiness to support at the NHL level .

During the NHL break for the 4 Nations Face‑Off, DiPietro joined the team as a practice goaltender, although he didn’t appear in a game . Every recall was a chance to train at the NHL level—and a signal that Boston views him as real emergency depth moving forward.

Building Momentum in Boston’s System

Once considered a throw‑in trade asset in the move from Vancouver to Boston in October 2022, DiPietro has steadily rewritten his narrative. He has surged past others in the Bruins’ goaltending pipeline—including Brandon Bussi—to become Providence’s alpha in goal (Black N’ Gold Hockey, Dom – Hockey). Impressing scouts and fans alike, he’s drawn comparisons to past Providence goalie stars and attracted attention on platforms like Reddit, where fans debate whether he’s earned his NHL shot already:

“I like him… stood on his head… big jump from AHL to NHL. Interested to watch him progress.”

“Once seen as Vancouver’s future… now thriving… strong candidate for a contract raise.”

Locked In for the Future

On June 30, 2025, Boston locked DiPietro in with a two‑year NHL contract (through 2026–27) carrying an annual cap hit of $812,500—securing him through the prime of his development window and preventing any free agency departure

The move also hints at potential further roster shuffling—Korpisalo’s camp has expressed frustration over starts, and with DiPietro rising, a trade of Korpisalo isn’t out of the question, especially as Boston manages cap and depth strategies

Can He Force NHL Opportunity?

With Jeremy Swayman entrenched as the likely starter and DiPietro’s contract stable through 2027, Boston’s goalie hierarchy looks crowded. But DiPietro’s dominant AHL season and trusted presence during recalls make a compelling case—especially if Boston chooses to streamline its roster or rotate more during back‑to‑backs.

Expect him to battle for a backup role during camp. His posture has shifted from prospect to serious contender, and he’s poised to make demands beyond Providence if his upward trajectory continues.

📌 Why His Story Matters

If DiPietro continues his AHL form into training camp, fans might finally see him in a Bruins crease during the regular season—and this time, he could be more than just a fill-in.