Which teams could target Linus Ullmark this summer?
There's a general expectation that the Boston Bruins will at least explore Linus Ullmark's trade market this offseason. The star goaltender reportedly blocked a trade to the Los Angeles Kings at the deadline, and fellow star goaltender Jeremy Swayman is due for a big raise.
Due to this, let's discuss three teams who could look to add Ullmark during the offseason now.
The New Jersey Devils were connected to Ullmark at the deadline, and that is likely to continue this summer. While they added Jake Allen and Kaapo Kähkönen, it's clear that they still want to add an elite number-one goalie this offseason. Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators) and Jacob Markstrom (Calgary Flames) have also been linked to them for this reason.
The main reason the Devils are in such a poor position in the standings this season has been their poor goaltending. Adding Ullmark would help change things on that front, so expect them to be in the mix.
The Philadelphia Flyers entered the 2023-24 season with the expectation of being at the bottom of the NHL standings. It is understandable, as they are rebuilding. However, they have shown that they are far better than expected and currently hold a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.
With the Flyers having such a strong season, there's a chance that they will look to add to their roster this summer, even if they are still rebuilding. Youngster Samuel Ersson has done well in his first full season, but they would benefit from bringing in a veteran like Ullmark to lower the pressure on him. Adding Ullmark would only make the Flyers a bigger threat in the Metro.
It has been another tough season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. They were expected to take a step forward, as they added defensemen Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov during the 2023 NHL Offseason. It is clear that they want to be more competitive, and improving between the pipes may be the way to do that. Thus, they could be a darkhorse landing spot for Ullmark.
Elvis Merzlikins notably requested a trade earlier this season, so Columbus could explore the goalie trade market this offseason. With Columbus looking to take that next step, they are in a position to make a splash by bringing in a high-impact goalie like Ullmark.