The NHL trade deadline has passed, but there are still a few NHL speculations. We are still grappling with the aftermath of what happened last week. However, this does not mean that NHL rumors will stop. Some transactions were close to completion, while others may have to wait until the summer. Today’s NHL rumours focus on Swedish goalies. Today’s edition includes coverage of the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils.
All NHL rumors originate from the original source and are subject to change.
Analysis: Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman have forged an important combination in the Bruins’ success this season. However, it may not be a sustainable approach. At the end of the season, Swayman will be available for arbitration as a restricted free agent. He’ll undoubtedly command far more than his current $3.475 million cap charge. Trading Ullmark would have increased the Bruins’ ability to pay Swayman the deal he deserves. Boston would also have been free to make additional moves beyond adding Pat Maroon before the deadline.
Weekes suggested that location may have played a role in Ullmark rejecting a trade. The Swedish goaltender has a 16-team no-trade list and can pretty much choose where he wants to go if management decides to sell him. Furthermore, General Manager Don Sweeney did not say whether Ullmark utilized the no-trade clause to deny a deal. “I mean, at the end of the day, I’m not ever going to get into a conversation with what I may have talked to Linus about,” Sweeney stated in an interview with the media.
Some may be unhappy that Ullmark did not choose to join a franchise like the Kings, where he would be the undisputed number one goalkeeper. However, other reasons beyond hockey were most certainly in play. Ullmark has also acquired the ability to choose where he wants to go. Those safeguards were outlined in the contract he signed with Sweeney and Bruins management.
It also appeared that Ullmark and Swayman were still happy with their partnership. Swayman was quick to say “Stay right there” or “You’re staying here” during the Bruins’ Saturday afternoon win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the time being, it appears that the goaltender union is safe; nevertheless, the summer may be different.
According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the New Jersey Devils may revisit their interest in acquiring Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom this summer. She stated this during the network’s coverage of the trade deadline on Friday.
Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark wasn't willing to accept a deal according to ESPN's Kevin Weekes. https://t.co/RBkOkzBn3S
— masslivesports (@masslivesports) March 8, 2024
Analysis: At the deadline, New Jersey acquired Jake Allen. However, this could have just been a temporary solution to get through the season. New Jersey will most likely aim to strengthen its goaltender corps ahead of next season. Nico Daws and Akira Schmid are competing for the title of goalie of the future. As a result, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald’s primary concern right now is resolving the goaltender situation.
Markstrom appeared to be the Devils’ primary target since other goaltenders were released in the summer. Calgary did trade a handful of players, including Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm, during the deadline. Markstrom appeared to be on his way out as well. In contrast, General Manager Craig Conroy was unable to find a suitor.
The veteran goaltender has expressed his dissatisfaction with Flames management on how the rumors were handled. Conroy, on the other hand, is convinced that his connection with his number one goaltender can be repaired.
One cannot criticize Conroy for dealing with pending unrestricted free agents at the deadline. He most likely did not want to duplicate Johnny Gaudreau’s circumstance, in which he departed Alberta for nothing. Markstrom still has two years left on his contract, with a $6 million cap hit. However, he could earn a good return, which would clear the way for Dustin Wolf.
The roster turnover in Calgary may not be over. This could just be a momentary halt before we resume in the summer.
