The week before the NHL trade deadline is always filled with drama.
Beyond the apparently constant stream of trade whispers and rumors of big transactions, even the smallest things — a missed practice, a handshake at the rink — are over-analyzed.
Linus Ullmark can attest to the excitement of Monday night.
With speculation growing regarding the reigning Vezina Trophy winner’s long-term future in Boston, numerous reporters tweeted during Monday’s road game against the Maple Leafs that the 30-year-old goaltender was not on the Bruins bench.
The backup goalie doesn’t sit on the bench in Toronto. Not enough room. https://t.co/pw5kwkd6Vr
— Eric Russo (@erusso22) March 5, 2024
So, what was it?
Had Ullmark been traded during the game? Had he already packed and left for the airport?
The actual cause was much less spectacular.
The true reason for Ullmark’s decision to watch the game from the locker room was a shortage of space on the visitor’s bench at Scotiabank Arena.
As reported by Bruins club reporter Eric Russo, Ullmark’s absence in Toronto is hardly unusual, with a lack of room forcing backup goalies to watch the game away from the ice in Toronto.
— Linus Ullmark (@Icebeardude) March 5, 2024
While the NESN broadcast explained as the game progressed that Ullmark was watching from down the tunnel, the veteran goaltender enjoyed the social-media frenzy that ensued throughout Monday’s game.
Ullmark was unaware of the discussion until Travis Basciotta, the Bruins’ director of communications and content, notified him midgame.
“He made me realize that something was brewing on social media,” Ullmark told Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic after the game. “I had no idea. I’ve received a few now. “Yes, it’s hilarious.”
“I’ve sat on the bench before,” Ullmark added. “It’s been a tight squeeze. I went outside before the first period. I look in front of me and say, ‘There is no room for me to sit.’ I had a stool beside me so I could sit. But then I’d be, like, among the fans. I did not want to do it. I was going to get in the way all the time. So I’m like, ‘OK, it’s best if I just sit inside and watch the game so I’m not in the way.'”
The Bruins also poked fun at the incident on their own Twitter/X account after Boston won 4-1 in Toronto and Ullmark came to the ice to hug Jeremy Swayman, as is customary.
Ullmark responded on X Monday night.
Of course, the trade speculations surrounding Ullmark will continue until the official trade deadline of 3 p.m. on Friday.
The Bruins have had a lot of success with a goaltending duo of Ullmark and Swayman. However, with few available assets on their current roster, a trade involving Ullmark may provide the Bruins with much-needed draft capital or NHL talent.
