Key Takeaways:
• Boston Bruins are discussing the possibility of moving goaltender Linus Ullmark to Jeremy Swayman before the 2024 NHL draft.
• Ullmark was uneasy about a mid-season move due to family concerns but has not commented on an offseason trade.
• Despite the trade talks, Ullmark remains hopeful of staying with the Bruins for the 2024-25 season.
Boston Bruins, the NHL team failing to reach the conference finals for five consecutive seasons, is reported to be prioritizing major moves before kicking off the next season. Paramount on their checklist is the goaltender conundrum, with a prospective move involving their 1B, Linus Ullmark to 1A, Jeremy Swayman, anticipated ahead of the 2024 NHL draft.
Ullmark’s Trade: A Top Priority
As per Fluto Shinzawa’s report from The Athletic, the Bruins are resolute in transferring Ullmark before next year’s NHL draft. This move, according to Shinzawa, affords the Bruins’ General Manager Don Sweeney and his scouts some much-needed room to maneuver at the Las Vegas draft table.
Despite having objections to being traded mid-season, Ullmark’s reservations were more personal than professional. The goaltender was apprehensive about the potential upheaval a mid-season move could cause to his family. His stance on an offseason trade, however, remains cryptic.
Past Opportunities and Contractual Hurdles
On March 8, 2024, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported a potential trade that was nearly reached but didn’t make it past the finish line. Both Ullmark and GM Sweeney have stayed tight-lipped on whether Ullmark executed his no-trade clause when the said deal was on the table.
Bringing interesting dynamics into this goaltender shuffle is Ullmark’s contract status. He has one year remaining on his four-year, $20 million deal set to expire at the close of the 2024-25 season. The Swede who won the Vezina Trophy as the best goalie in the NHL in 2023 remains a hot commodity.
Speaking Out About the Future
Despite the looming uncertainties, Ullmark has remained vocal about his situation and his ambitions. His postseason performance, a .915 save percentage over 39 regular-season starts, is a testament to his skill and determination. On the other hand, Swayman, in an increasingly influential role, recorded a .916 save percentage in 43 starts, becoming one of the star performers of the Bruins.
Ullmark also expressed his inclination to stay with the Bruins next season, christening it as a potential “revenge tour.” However, with Swayman’s contract up for negotiation as of July 1, the Bruins might need to trade Ullmark to accommodate Swayman’s expected salary hike. The proposed trade-off would help the club address the areas requiring improvements, particularly in the team’s struggling offense.
To navigate their way through this tight spot, the Bruins could use the upcoming offseason to solidify their roster and forge a formidable team for the 2024-25 season. It remains to be seen how the Bruins’ management, Ullmark and Swayman gratify the team’s objectives as well as their individual aspirations.
In conclusion, the Bruins face a monumental task in the coming months. The team’s proposed shifting strategy itself indicates a vigorous desire to bounce back stronger next season. As the off-season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be paying close attention to how these developments shape the prospects of the Bruins.