Developing a trade idea is a never-ending task. Finding a home for rotational goalkeeper Linus Ullmark is something that, if you’re the Boston Bruins, might be better expressed as “it is never too soon.”
June 7th: Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson wrote an article titled “6 Trades We Want to See Happen at the 2024 NHL Draft,” which will take place on June 28–29. One of them—possibly the most likely and feasible considering the situation—involves Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Bruins in exchange for goalie Ullmar. In order to meet the financial and roster needs of both teams prior to the NHL draft, this would be considered a “hockey trade.
The Future of Linus Ullmark With the Bruins Is Uncertain
For a few months now, Ullmark, 30, has been the focus of trade rumors. This is primarily due to his supporting role and high salary cost as Jeremy Swayman’s first baseman when he is the starting pitcher. 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. On March 8, NHL Network Insider Kevin Weekes published a story about Ullmark’s application of his amended no-trade clause. It was rumored that Ullmark prevented a transfer to a Western Conference team. The NTC consists of 16 teams.
Before the deadline, the Los Angeles Kings were determined to be the main contender for Ullmark. “I can’t reveal that (the team trying to trade for Ullmark) right now out of respect to all involved,” the insider said in a statement to Boston Hockey Now. 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 a trade of Ullmark is likely to 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. However, we’re going to look into potential.
The Uncertain Future of Senator 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. In the course of his season-ending interview, Chychrun, however, voiced doubts over his future with the Senators. Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson are two of the Senators’ several left-side defenseman. What Ottawa lacks—a true starter in goal—is more significant than what they do have. In his trade scenario, Richardons brings up Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. Garrioch revealed on May 23 that the Senators were one among the teams that had previously expressed 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 a league executive, in order for the Senators to acquire Ullmark, they would probably need to make an offer for defenseman Jakob Chychrun in addition to a first-round pick and another selection, as reported by Garrioch on Thursday, May 23. Having said all of that, this trade would be subject to Ullmark’s no-trade list. For this to happen, he would have to take Ottawa out of it.
