BREAK: Bruins Land a superstar worth $27 Million contract agreement
It’s never too late to consider a trade. For the Boston Bruins, however, the saying might be better rephrased as “it is never too soon” to find a destination for rotational goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report wrote an article on June 7 titled “6 Trades We Want to See Happen at the 2024 NHL Draft,” with the draft scheduled for June 28-29.
One of these trades, perhaps the most realistic and likely given the circumstances, involves Bruins goalie Ullmark going to Ottawa in exchange for Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
This would be a “hockey trade,” addressing specific roster and financial needs for both teams ahead of the NHL draft.
The Bruins’ Future With Linus Ullmark Is Uncertain
Linus Ullmark, 30, has been the subject of trade rumors for several months, primarily due to his secondary role and significant cap hit as the 1B to Jeremy Swayman’s 1A status.
Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy in the 2023 season, is entering the final year of his contract. He will earn $5 million through the 2024-25 season before becoming a free agent.
NHL Network Insider Kevin Weekes reported on March 8 that Ullmark has been utilizing his modified no-trade clause, which includes 16 teams. It was noted that Ullmark blocked a potential move to a Western Conference team.
.@KevinWeekes on ESPN The Point says #NHLBruins thought they had something with Linus Ullmark, “so there was a deal that he essentially nixed, in large part based on geography, I’m told.”
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) March 8, 2024
The Los Angeles Kings were identified as the primary suitor for Ullmark before the trade deadline. However, a source speaking to Boston Hockey Now mentioned, “I can’t reveal that (the team trying to trade for Ullmark) right now out of respect to all involved.”
Lyle Richardson believes the Bruins will pursue a left-shot defenseman, especially with Matt Grzelcyk potentially departing in free agency.
Furthermore, Bruins GM Don Sweeney emphasized during the team’s exit interviews on May 22 that he will “explore opportunities,” indicating that trading Ullmark is a possibility during the 2024 offseason.
“Linus may come to us and change his mind. That may occur as well. Right now, he’s really happy. We were very happy to sign Linus. And in a perfect world, we would keep the tandem. Because I think it’s damn good,” Sweeney said on May 22. “But we’re going to explore opportunities.
“My phone’s going to ring. I’m going to make calls. That’s just what the job requires.”
Jakob Chychrun’s Uncertain Future with the Senators
Chychrun, 26, is also nearing the end of his contract, which carries a $4.6 million cap hit. In his end-of-season interview, however, Chychrun voiced uncertainty regarding his future with the Senators.
Jakob Chychrun asked if Ottawa is the place he wants to play the next couple of years:
“It’s a tough question, I don’t know. I honestly have not thought about that. I know I have 1 more year left (on my contract). There haven’t been talks of an extension or anything so I… pic.twitter.com/DzI2gClxso
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) April 18, 2024
“When asked about his future on April 18, Chychrun stated, ‘I honestly have not thought about that. I know I have one more year left on my contract. There haven’t been talks of an extension or anything, so I haven’t got my head wrapped around that idea.’
The Senators boast a surplus of left-side defensemen, with Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson among them. However, what they lack is a bona fide starting goaltender.
Richardson mentions Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun in his trade scenario. On May 23, Garrioch reported that the Senators were among the teams interested in Ullmark before the deadline.
Garrioch suggested the Senators might revisit their interest in Ullmark during the offseason, quoting league sources discussing a potential trade package sent to the Bruins.
‘“A league executive said Thursday (May 23) he believes the Senators would likely have to offer defenseman Jakob Chychrun along with a first-round pick and another selection to acquire Ullmark,” Garrioch wrote.’
All of the above being said, this trade would depend on Ullmark’s no-trade list. He would need to remove Ottawa from it for this move to go through.”