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 DeBruskThe 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 on July 1.
Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic believes most, including DeBrusk and Grzelcyk, likely won't return. The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa cited The Fourth Period speculating the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings could express interest in DeBrusk. He also shared Shinzawa's take 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 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 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 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 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.
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