The Boston Bruins finished one round further into the playoffs than last year, but they now have eight pending UFAs to address, plus a big decision in net. Jake DeBrusk [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2NTkzMzA5ODczODA4NTg4/usatsi_22669706.jpg] Jake DeBrusk The Boston Bruins could have a different look to their roster for 2024-25. Eight players, including forwards Jake DeBrusk, James van Riemsdyk, Danton Heinen and Pat Maroon and defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and Kevin Shattenkirk, are slated to become UFAs [https://puckpedia.com/team/boston-bruins] on July 1. Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic believes most, including DeBrusk and Grzelcyk, likely won't return [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5505596/2024/05/20/bruins-offseason-jake-debrusk-matt-grzelcyk/]. The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa cited The Fourth Period speculating [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-jake-debrusk-linked-to-3-teams] the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings could express interest in DeBrusk. He also shared Shinzawa's take [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-defender-likely-finished-in-boston] that Grzelcyk has likely played his final game with the Bruins. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman is their notable RFA. Having supplanted Linus Ullmark as the Bruins' starter during this post-season, they're expected to re-sign the 25-year-old netminder to a long-term extension. Meanwhile, the trade rumors that surfaced about Ullmark before the March trade deadline have returned. Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy reported [https://bostonhockeynow.com/2024/05/19/boston-bruind-ullmark-wants-a-revenge-tour-will-it-be-with-the-bruins/] the Bruins had a deal in place to move Ullmark to a Western Conference club, but he refused to waive his no-trade clause. It was rumored that team was the Los Angeles Kings, but Murphy stands by his report that it was the Colorado Avalanche. Shinzawa reported [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5503378/2024/05/19/bruins-linus-ullmark-trade-offseason/]the 30-year-old goalie had reservations about moving at that time because he didn't want to uproot his family, including his two school-age children. Whether he feels the same way now remains to be seen. Ullmark has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $5 million and prefers to remain in Boston. However, Shinzawa feels it would benefit both sides if they can find a suitable trade destination. Ullmark would be a better choice for clubs seeking a goaltending upgrade than those available in the free-agent market. The Bruins, meanwhile, would clear the path for Swayman to become their full-time starter, backed up by promising Brandon Bussi. The Ottawa Senators could be among those interested in Ullmark. A Postmedia report claimed [https://ottawasun.com/ottawa-senators/steve-staios-to-do-list-for-off-season/wcm/94012387-9712-402a-9d2f-91a18d1f40c4] they kicked tires on the Bruins goaltender before the trade deadline and could revisit their interest this summer. The Bruins have a projected cap space of $23.5 million for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. They're expected to shop in the free-agent market [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-going-all-in-for-canucks-star] for a scoring forward, such as Vancouver's Elias Lindholm and a top-four left-shot defenseman. They have enough room to make those moves, but it could conflict with efforts to sign Swayman. Moving Ullmark's $5-million cap hit could provide the necessary wiggle room. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..].
