Bruins may maximize Linus Ullmark’s return by trading him to the Senators.
Originally posted at The Hockey Writers.
This summer could have some extra pyrotechnics. There are famous names available in free agency who, if they switch teams, may shake up the league’s landscape. Steven Stamkos is the biggest name in hockey right now, regardless of whether he stays in Tampa Bay. Also, Jake Guentzel is one of the other big fish in the market, so his market should be large. People will be keeping an eye on the trade market as well as the free agents.
Mitch Marner, a Maple Leafs winger, will be one of the most watched players. He is in the final year of his contract, and it includes a no-movement provision. Many people are curious about the team’s future path, and if he is available, there will be a long list of bidders. In addition, Martin Necas is generating trade interest throughout the league. Linus Ullmark, goaltender for the Boston Bruins, is another notable player who could be on the move. The list of suitors is long, and many teams will call General Manager Don Sweeney.
Tandem Could Be Pulled Apart.
All good things must come to an end, including the Bruins’ dynamic duo in the goal crease. Not only do Jeremy Swayman and Ullmark’s pipes shine, but so does their brotherly friendship off the rink. Bonds can survive forever, but the tandem cannot. Sweeney would prefer to keep both of them, but hockey is ultimately a business.
Ullmark is in the final year of his deal, earning $5 million per season. The Bruins have other pressing needs, and they may use the available room to improve another component of their squad. In addition, other teams could form a trade to acquire the renowned goaltender.
David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period has identified clubs that may be of interest. He has stated that the Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings may eventually call, although the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Carolina Hurricanes have indicated interest. The Kings also made a trade proposal before the deadline. All three of these teams have one thing in common: they are Stanley Cup contenders, and acquiring Ullmark elevates them to the top as favorites to win it all. However, the Ottawa Senators are one of the teams that could circle back around him.
Ottawa Aims Big for Ullmark.
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Senators plan to return to Ullmark at the NHL Draft. Also, the Senators were part of a group that made bids at the trade deadline, but nothing came of them. It appears that they are in the process of upgrading the goal crease, and Ullmark is the man for the job. He is a significant improvement over the whole Senators goaltending pair, which finished 31st in save percentage this season at.884. That is unacceptable for any team, especially one that aspires to compete.
The Senators are a squad hoping to make the playoffs. They have a young core that will be locked up for the foreseeable future, and Travis Green has been hired as their new coach. It appears like they are preparing to compete, and adding a high-caliber goalie like Ullmark might help them improve even further. But does this make sense for senators?
After consulting with Senators beat writer Jacob Billington of The Hockey Writers, he sees why it makes sense. It would provide an immediate improvement in net and seal the starter position. However, he did mention that it would cost a lot of money to hire him, which they may choose not to do. Given Sweeney’s desire to improve his squad, a trade with the Senators may benefit both sides.
The return could benefit the Bruins.
The Bruins’ comeback might be incredibly advantageous, and they can explain it as a desire to improve their lineup. According to Pagnotta, the Bruins aim to improve their defensive group, mainly by adding a right-shot defenseman. Look no further than Jakob Chychrun for a return to Ullmark.
Garrioch reported that the Bruins’ return package may include Chychrun and a first-round draft pick. If you are Sweeney, that is one tasty dish that you are willing to pay for. A first-round draft pick would put the Bruins in the first round of the upcoming draft, as they do not own a pick until the fourth round. Chychrun would acquire a guy who fills a need on the blueline.
Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort are also expected to enter free agency. Mason Lohrei, a young developing rookie, is anticipated to be a regular in the lineup for the 2024-25 season. Adding Chychrun might relieve strain on him and offer the Bruins more balance on the back end. The good news is that Chychrun can play both sides, which gives head coach Jim Montgomery choices.
Chychrun is a fluid skater who can help the puck move up the ice. In addition, he provides offense and production, which is a significant help to the Bruins’ back end. Chychrun scored 14 goals (his second-highest total) and 41 points in 2023-24, tying his career high. He isn’t hesitant to shoot the puck (204 shots) and can contribute on the power play. This is a significant lift for the Bruins. During the regular season, the team ranked 14th in power play percentage (22.2% success rate) and ninth in the playoffs (21.2%).
It is worth mentioning that Chychrun has one year remaining on his deal, with a salary cap charge of $4.6 million. There is a chance he will leave the Bruins in free agency in 2025, but that is a significant return for Ullmark.
Ullmark’s big return benefits the Bruins.
The Bruins look to be turning to their young goaltender, Swayman. Ullmark has only worn the Black and Gold with pride. However, it is time for him to depart.
There will be no scarcity of teams seeking his talents. In terms of any transaction with the Senators, the return might be significant and beneficial to the Bruins in the long run. They may use that draft pick to strengthen their farm system and get a top-four defenseman who can play in a variety of situations. A top-four lineup with Hampus Lindholm, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Chychrun is quite appealing.
