Bruins' Linus Ullmark On Metro Club's Radar
Linus Ullmark may be this club's backup plan.
The Boston Bruins have some decisions to make leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. The club has some issues that they should look to address. However, due to their limited cap space and lack of draft picks, some of their notable roster players have come up in the rumor mill. One of them is star goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Ullmark, 30, carries a $5 million cap hit, and moving his salary out would create more space for the Bruins to bring in a high-impact player elsewhere in their lineup. Now, it appears that one club could have the reigning Vezina Trophy winner on their radar.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the New Jersey Devils have considered Ullmark as a possible trade target option if they strike out on Calgary Flames star netminder Jacob Markstrom. Here's what LeBrun said on the matter:
"Yes, the Devils desperately need a goalie, and as discussed above they’re focused on a different Swede as their top target. However, I was also told Monday that the Devils have looked at Ullmark as a possible option if they can’t swing a deal with Calgary. So stay tuned there. Perhaps Ullmark, who’s signed through next season at a $5 million AAV, ends up in New Jersey if Calgary won’t move Markstrom."
It would make a lot of sense for the Devils to try to land Ullmark, as goaltending has been their biggest issue this season. Adding Ullmark would give them a legitimate starter as they try to turn their season around.
Yet, simultaneously, it would be very risky for Boston to trade Ullmark to the Devils. Their goaltending is the backbone of their team. Also, if the Bruins traded Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman got injured, it would put them in a very difficult spot.
Alas, we will need to wait and see if the Devils' rumored interest in Ullmark leads to them making a push for him over the next two days from here.
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