It is never too late to propose a trade. And, if you are the Boston Bruins, perhaps the saying might be rephrased as “it is never too soon” to locate a location to send rotational goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report wrote a piece on June 7 titled “6 Trades We Want to See Happen at the 2024 NHL Draft,” with the event set for June 28-29.
One of these (probably the most plausible and likely given the circumstances) includes Bruins goaltender Ullmar moving to Ottawa in exchange for Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
This would be a “hockey trade” because it would solve specific roster and budgetary needs for both teams prior to the NHL draft.
The Bruins’ Future With Linus Ullmark Is Uncertain
Ullmark, 30, has been the focus of trade speculations for months. That’s primarily due to his secondary role and significant cap hit as the 1B to Jeremy Swayman’s 1A designation.
Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2023, is approaching the final year of his contract. He will get $5 million during the 2024-25 season before becoming a free agent.
On March 8, NHL Network Insider Kevin Weekes reported on Ullmark’s usage of the amended no-trade clause. The NTC has 16 teams, and it has been alleged that Ullmark has rejected a move to a Western Conference team.
The Los Angeles Kings were identified as Ullmark’s major suitors prior to the deadline. A source who spoke with Boston Hockey Now said, “I can’t reveal that (the team trying to trade for Ullmark) right now out of respect to all involved.”
Richardson believes the Bruins will pursue a left-handed defenseman, with Matt Grzelcyk likely leaving in free agency.
Furthermore, during the team’s exit interviews on May 22, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney stated that he will “explore opportunities,” implying that trading Ullmark is possible during the 2024 summer.
“Linus may approach us and change his mind. That might happen as well. Right now, he’s really happy. We were very pleased to sign Linus. And in an ideal world, we’d keep the tandem. Sweeney stated on May 22: “Because I think it’s damn good.” “But we’re going to look into opportunities.
“My phone’s about to ring. I’m going to make calls. That’s exactly what the job requires.
Jakob Chychrun’s Uncertain Future with the Senators
Chychrun, 26, is also entering the final year of his deal, which contains a $4.6 million cap charge. However, during his end-of-season interview, Chychrun expressed concern about his future with the Senators.
“I honestly haven’t thought about it. I know I have one more year left on my contract. When asked about his future, Chrychrun remarked, “There haven’t been any talks of an extension, so I haven’t wrapped my head around that idea.”
Jacob Sanderson. What Ottawa lacks, more than anything else, is a true starter in net.
Richardons cites Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Sun in his trade scenario. On May 23, Garrioch revealed that the Senators were one of the teams interested in Ullmark before the deadline.
Garrioch suggested that the Senators could revive their interest in Ullmark during the winter, citing league sources who mentioned a potential trade package offered to the Bruins.
“A league executive said Thursday (May 23) he believes the Senators would likely have to offer defenceman Jakob Chychrun along with a first-round pick and another selection to acquire Ullmark,” Garrioch stated.
Having said all of that, this trade is subject to Ullmark’s no-trade list. To make this move possible, he would need to remove Ottawa.
