Once viewed as a potential goalie of the future with Vancouver, Michael DiPietro’s career hasn’t panned out quite as planned. However, he has turned into a solid goalie in the minors in Boston’s system and the Bruins would like to keep him around as Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek reports that the two sides are discussing a possible contract extension.
The 25-year-old will qualify for unrestricted free agency for the first time this summer, though not as a typical UFA. Instead, his lack of NHL experience to this point in time will make him a Group Six UFA, one that allows him to reach the open market a little earlier than more established players.
DiPietro has just three appearances at the top level under his belt, those coming with the Canucks where he got into one game in 2018-19, one the following year, and the last in 2021-22. The following season saw him play just once in the AHL with the bulk of his playing time coming with ECHL Maine.
However, things have gotten much better for DiPietro over the last couple of years. After putting up a 2.51 GAA and a .908 SV% in 30 games with AHL Providence last season, he has bettered those numbers this year, checking in at 2.03 and .928, respectively, in 38 outings. At a time where some third-string goalies have received one-way deals and others pricey two-way agreements with a strong guarantee, DiPietro is well-positioned to land a raise on his current $225K guarantee on his next deal.
At the moment, both of Boston’s AHL netminders are set to hit the open market this summer as Brandon Bussi is a pending unrestricted free agent as well. The 26-year-old has played fewer games than DiPietro this season and after not getting a look with the Bruins in parts of four professional seasons with them, he might look to catch on elsewhere to see if his fortunes change in another organization. That would seemingly position DiPietro to be the unquestioned number three option for Boston next season if they can come to terms on a new deal in the coming weeks and months.
Bussi went from in the running for the Boston backup job before the season to being cast out of the organization.
Same with Kyle Keyser before him, who is now in the KHL with Jeremy Smith.