The Boston Bruins have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their loss to the Florida Panthers on Friday night sealed their fate. Now, eyes begin to turn toward the 2024 NHL Draft in late June. But Boston reportedly hopes to get some work done before the draft in Vegas. And that work involves goalie Linus Ullmark.
The Bruins reportedly consider trading Ullmark a “priority,” according to The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa. This move would allow Boston to make Jeremey Swayman the undisputed starting netminder. It also gives an opportunity for prospect goalie Brandon Bussi to make the NHL as the backup puck-stopper.
Ullmark has spent parts of three seasons with Boston. And it's been quite a successful tenure for the 30-year-old Swede. He posted save percentages of .917, .938, and .915 during his time with the Bruins. Furthermore, he backstopped the team during their historic 65-win campaign in 2022-23. Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy as the best goalie in the league for that performance.
Why Bruins want this trade
Linus Ullmark trade rumors aren't a new thing. In fact, he was the subject of rumors around the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline in March. Some reports even indicated that the 30-year-old Swede declined a trade to the Los Angeles Kings at the deadline. However, neither Ullmark nor the team confirmed whether this actually occurred.
Shinzawa mentioned two reasons why the Bruins are looking to move Ullmark beyond their situation in the crease. First, Boston is in need of additional draft capital. They have just three picks for the 2024 NHL Draft. And all of those picks come after the third round. Boston moved their first three picks in this draft in separate deals that landed them Tyler Bertuzzi, Dmitry Orlov, and Hampus Lindholm.
Shinzawa also notes that a Linus Ullmark trade could be more of a hockey trade. The Bruins need draft picks, but they are a contending team in need of help now. For instance, Boston could use help offensively and on the blueline, particularly on the left side. Moving Ullmark could allow them to acquire the help they need.
What's in it for Linus Ullmark
Linus Ullmark could also benefit from a move this summer. Shinzawa noted the differences in goalie market between March and this summer. Teams like the New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche could seek a new netminder. The salary cap increase this offseason will also allow teams to jump into the goalie market.
Beyond that, it gives Ullmark a chance to become a primary starter again. Swayman won the job in 2023-24 and proved he can play at an elite level in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It's unlikely the veteran sees the bulk of the playing time in Boston next season.
Ullmark is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025. A trade allows him to potentially become the primary option on another team. If he plays well, he could earn an extension with that team. If that doesn't work, he has played himself into another big contract for next summer.
Linus Ullmark and the Bruins have had a successful partnership over the last three seasons. Now, it seems as if their days together are coming to an end. In any event, hockey fans should certainly keep an eye on this situation as it develops before the NHL Draft later next month.
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