The speculation about Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark continues to increase after Jacob Markstrom came off the trade market. Which NHL teams are linked to him now?
The New Jersey Devils' acquisition of Jacob Markstrom last week makes Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins the top goaltender in this summer's NHL trade market. The 30-year-old Vezina Trophy winner has a year left on his contract with a $5-million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade list.
A Postmedia report indicated the Ottawa Senators have revisited their interest in Ullmark. They attempted to acquire him before the trade deadline, offering Joonas Korpisalo in return. The Bruins are said to have refused because they couldn't afford to take on the remaining $16 million of Korpisalo's contract over the next four seasons.
The report indicated the Bruins could have an interest in Shane Pinto. However, the Senators won't part with the 23-year-old center. Sportsnet's Wayne Scanlan, meanwhile, wondered if Jakob Chychrun could be part of a return for Ullmark.
Scanlan's colleague Elliotte Friedman believes the Senators are on Ullmark's no-trade list. He thinks the Bruins might be reluctant to move him to a divisional rival.
The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta cited sources claiming the netminder could agree to go to Ottawa if the Senators and Bruins finalize a deal. Meanwhile, The Hockey News' Julian Gaudio cited a subsequent Postmedia report claiming the Detroit Red Wings and Vegas Golden Knights are also sniffing around Ullmark.
Ullmark's contract is a sticking point. Friedman thinks teams would prefer signing the netminder to a contract extension if they're to pay the Bruins' expensive asking price. He pointed out that Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said he's acquiring an older goalie who would only be a short-term fix. Other interested clubs could share that view.
Vegas' rumored interest in Ullmark is puzzling. They already have a good tandem in Adin Hill and Logan Thompson, who have a year remaining on their contracts. The Golden Knights have limited cap room and are trying to re-sign pending UFA winger Jonathan Marchessault.
Hill carries a $4.9-million cap hit and could be traded to shed salary for Marchessault's new contract, but the Golden Knights wouldn't be able to afford Ullmark. This works only if they're not re-signing Marchessault and are trying to swap Hill for Ullmark. That likely won't interest the Bruins, as both goalies' cap hits are nearly identical.
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