For several months, trade speculations have surrounded Boston Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark. On June 7, Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson proposed a trade that would have sent Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for $27 million defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
This would be a “hockey trade,” a player-for-player agreement that takes care of the financial and roster needs of both teams in advance of the June 28–29, 2024 NHL draft.
In March, Linus Ullmark prevented a trade to the Western Conference
The main reason for Ullmark’s uncertain future with the Bruins has been his big cap hit and supporting role as the 1B to Jeremy Swayman’s 1A status.
The 30-year-old Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2023, is about to start his last year of employment. Through the 2024–2025 season, he will get $5 million, after which he will be a free agent.
According to NHL News, on March 8, NHL Network Insider Kevin Weekes reported on Ullmark’s application of his amended no-trade clause. Ullmark reportedly prevented a transfer to one of the 16 Western Conference teams in the NTC, of whom 14 are members, according to a report by Boston Hockey Now.
Before the deadline, the Los Angeles Kings were determined to be the main contender for Ullmark. But, a source later clarified that it was not the Kings, saying, “I can’t reveal that [the team trying to trade for Ullmark] right now out of respect to all involved.” Boston Hockey Now was informed of this.
Richardson believes that since Matt Grzelcyk might be leaving in free agency, the Bruins will look to sign a left-shot defenceman.
Furthermore, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney stated clearly that he will “explore opportunities” during the team’s exit interviews on May 22, implying that Ullmark’s trade could happen in the 2024 summer.
Linus might decide to come see us after all. That might also happen. It makes him quite happy right now. It gave us great pleasure to sign Linus. In an ideal world, we would continue to use the tandem. Since I think it’s very fantastic,” Sweeney stated on May 22. “But we will investigate our options.”It’s going to ring on my phone. I have some calls to make. That’s exactly what the position calls for.
The Future Is Not “Head Wrapped Around” for Jakob Chychrun
The 26-year-old Chychrun is also getting close to the last year of his deal, which has a $4.6 million cap cost. However, Chychrun voiced doubts about his future with the Senators—who acquired him in a deal with the Arizona Coyotes in March 2023—during his season-ending interview.
“To be honest, I haven’t given that much thought. I am aware that my contract is only good for another year. When asked about his future on April 18, Chychrun responded, “There haven’t been talks of an extension or anything, so I haven’t wrapped my head around that idea.”
Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson are two of the Senators’ several left-side defenseman. What Ottawa lacks—a true starter in goal—is far more significant than what players they have on their roster.
Prior to the deadline, the Ottawa Sun’s Garrioch revealed on May 23 that the Senators were one of the teams showing interest in Ullmark.
Garrioch, citing league sources who mentioned a possible trade package offered to the Bruins, hinted the Senators would reexamine their interest in Ullmark during the winter.
According to Garrioch, “a league executive stated Thursday, May 23, he thinks the Senators would probably have to offer defenseman Jakob Chychrun in addition to a first-round pick and another selection in order to acquire Ullmark.”
This trade would ultimately be contingent upon Ullmark’s no-trade list.
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