There is a growing belief that Ullmark will be traded within the next two weeks, as the Bruins need to fill other roster gaps. Additionally, Jeremy Swayman is expected to sign a significant contract extension soon.
Trade talks for Ullmark are intensifying. The Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes are all exploring goaltending options. However, the Leafs are out of the running due to Ullmark's no-trade list, and while Ottawa is also on that list, sources indicate Ullmark would accept a trade to the Senators if a deal is reached. Boston isn't interested in taking back Ottawa's Joonas Korpisalo, so Senators GM Steve Staios will need to be creative.
Aside from Ullmark, other notable goalies potentially on the move include Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild, and John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Saros, entering the final year of his contract, seeks at least $8 million per season, a figure the Predators are hesitant to meet.
With around $21 million in cap space, the Bruins have the flexibility to make significant moves. At least $8 million is expected to go towards Swayman's extension, and trading Ullmark's $5 million cap hit could allow Boston to better allocate their resources. The next ten days will be critical in shaping the Bruins' offseason strategy.
Source: The Fourth Period
ULLMARK TRADE TALKS PICKING UP
POLL | ||
Where will Linus Ullmark start the season? | ||
Boston | 23 | 13.6 % |
Toronto | 25 | 14.8 % |
Ottawa | 55 | 32.5 % |
Other | 66 | 39.1 % |
List of polls |