NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek talked about the prospect of the Boston Bruins trading goaltender Linus Ullmark in the most recent episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast. Although Friedman questioned if the Bruins would really make the deal, there is conjecture that general manager Don Sweeney of the team may consider it if it results in notable improvements in other areas of the roster. Why, exactly, would you trade for a huge goalie and then lose one of your team’s best players?
According to Friedman, the Bruins are apparently looking for a center and a defender, but since they have few selections and prospects, any changes to the lineup will probably come from inside. There are rumors circulating regarding Ullmark, which makes many wonder if the Bruins would lose out on one of their best players. “They don’t have picks,” he observed. .. A few people pointed out to me that the Bruins do, in fact, have guys who are mobile. “This time of year, I’m really careful about this because a lot of it becomes almost circumstantial evidence,” he continued.
Whether the Bruins consider Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman as a luxury or a necessity at goalie is the main topic of discussion. Marek says that in order to meet more urgent needs, a team that is trying to win a Stanley Cup occasionally has to give up what they consider to be luxuries. Friedman concurs, highlighting the Bruins’ capacity for difficult decision-making. “I think the Bruins might see it the same way,” he said. Furthermore, they are not a company that hesitates to take such actions. They have no problem making difficult choices. Thus, I do believe you have a point. I genuinely do. The only question left is, “Do they find something they like?”
What Trade Adds Are the Bruins Considering?
The Bruins are mentioned as one of the teams interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. Coordinating a trade with Ullmark and obtaining Hanifin will probably necessitate two separate deals or a three-team agreement. The money is important because Hanifin’s $4.95 million contract might take precedence over Ullmark’s $5 million one. It’s possible that the Flames aren’t considering a goalie either. Dustin Wolf and Daniel Vladar are probably on their radar if they’re planning to relocate Jacob Markstrom. “I don’t think they’re sending a goaltender to Calgary,” Marek stated.
In addition to adding complication, Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade list gives him some control over possible destinations. That increases the difficulty of a three-team trade scenario that is already complex. Does Ullmark want to go there if a team decides to step in and act as a matchmaker in an attempt to sign Ullmark as the third team? Will that group wish to discuss the possibility of an extension?
Is Swayman Ready to Lead Without That Power Couple?
Whether the Bruins are prepared to start Jeremy Swayman as their starting goalkeeper and Brandon Bussi as a backup is the main question that needs to be answered. Although adding more players to the squad is tempting, there may be a big risk due to possible goaltender problems during the playoffs. Although Swayman is more than capable, what would happen if Ullmark wasn’t there to support him?
The Bruins would be depending on Swayman’s capacity to manage a heavier workload—a task he hasn’t yet seen in the NHL.
