Four Trade Destinations to Watch for Boston Bruins Goaltender Linus Ullmark
The upcoming NHL offseason promises to be exciting, especially for fans of top-tier goaltenders. There’s a notable alignment between supply and demand for goalies across the league, with several teams looking to upgrade and a handful of prominent goalies potentially available through trades or free agency. Frank Seravalli’s latest Trade Targets board highlights five goalies, including Linus Ullmark, Juuse Saros, Filip Gustavsson, Jacob Markstrom, and Elvis Merzlikins.
This piece focuses on Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins, the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner. During the regular season, Ullmark paired with Jeremy Swayman to form the league’s top goaltending tandem. However, in the playoffs, Swayman’s outstanding performance led coach Jim Montgomery to favor him, relegating Ullmark to a backup role. Given Ullmark’s capabilities, this arrangement doesn’t seem sustainable for either party.
Ullmark previously invoked his no-trade clause to block a move before the 2024 trade deadline, but circumstances have since changed. With one year remaining on his contract and eligibility for an extension on July 1, Ullmark is positioned for a significant pay raise. Over the past three seasons, he leads all goalies in goals saved above average per 60 minutes, indicating his elite status. However, with Swayman set to take over as starter and prospects like Brandon Bussi emerging, the Bruins could better allocate Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit to address other roster needs.
Ullmark’s limited no-trade clause still gives him some control, but he can be moved. Here are four teams that could be suitable destinations for Ullmark:
1. Colorado Avalanche
**Why He Makes Sense:** The Avalanche are in their prime Stanley Cup contention window. Despite winning in 2021-22, recent playoff performances from starting goalie Alexandar Georgiev haven’t been strong enough. Georgiev, a pending UFA, could be moved to make room for Ullmark, who might offer the consistency needed to capitalize on the best years of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen.
**Fly in the Ointment:** The Avalanche have several other pressing needs, such as addressing Valeri Nichushkin’s uncertain future and Gabriel Landeskog’s injury recovery. Additionally, Colorado might lack the right assets to entice Boston, who need impactful forwards or a left-shot defenseman like Samuel Girard.
2. Los Angeles Kings
**Why He Makes Sense:** The Kings pursued Ullmark at the trade deadline, signaling their interest. With their current goalies seen as temporary solutions, Ullmark could provide long-term stability. L.A. is under pressure to make a deep playoff run while veterans Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty are still effective.
**Fly in the Ointment:** Ullmark previously blocked a move to L.A., so convincing him might be challenging. Moreover, Boston might be hesitant to acquire Pierre-Luc Dubois due to his hefty contract and mixed impact. The Kings’ farm system is decent but lacks the win-now pieces Boston seeks.
3. New Jersey Devils
**Why He Makes Sense:** Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has expressed a desire for a major goaltending upgrade. With a talented, young roster led by Jack and Luke Hughes, adding a reliable goalie like Ullmark could transform them into serious contenders. The Devils have the cap space and depth to make a trade work.
**Fly in the Ointment:** New Jersey reportedly balked at trading Dawson Mercer for Juuse Saros, indicating they might be hesitant to part with key assets. With plenty of goalie options available in free agency, the Devils might opt to preserve their assets and cap flexibility.
4. Ottawa Senators
**Why He Makes Sense:** The Senators, eager to finally secure a playoff spot, need dependable goaltending. Ullmark could be the solution, and Ottawa might be willing to trade valuable players like Josh Norris or Drake Batherson to get him. They also have Jakob Chychrun, a left-shot defenseman who fits Boston’s needs.
**Fly in the Ointment:** Ottawa’s previous investment in Joonas Korpisalo didn’t pay off, leading to concerns about another high-stakes goalie trade. Additionally, acquiring Ullmark would create a crowded goaltending situation with Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg, complicating their cap situation.
In summary, while Ullmark’s situation in Boston is untenable long-term, several teams could benefit from his elite goaltending. Each potential trade comes with its own set of challenges, but the Bruins and Ullmark seem poised for a parting of ways this offseason.
Leave a Reply