Bruins Rumored to be Shopping Goalie

The Bruins are limited in their options to upgrade this season, so it may have to come from in net.

The Boston Bruins are really trying to make upgrades to their roster, but it is likely to cost them someone off of their roster. They lack cap space and draft capital, so it only makes sense that teams who are or will be in conversation with them regarding a trade before the deadline look to take someone with value off of their roster.

On 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman stated that the Bruins value their prospects that have already played in the NHL this season, so much so that they aren't willing to use many or all of them to make the necessary upgrades this season. He notes that, "so, if they want to make changes, it probably has to come off their roster, and that's why people I think are looking at (Linus) Ullmark."

In terms of goaltending, this season and last have gone fairly similar for Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. Ullmark got more starts last season, but Swayman had a very strong season in his own right. In 2023-24, Swayman leads the way and has played in five more games since he is having the better season and looks like the long-term option due to his age and ability.

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Swayman's great season to this point does make the decision easier for the Bruins and it is a reason why Ullmark's name has come up. Jummy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now said, "The market for Ullmark won’t be this great in the offseason, so I would think, if moving on from Ullmark then was still the plan, maybe that plan gets moved up to now." Ideally, one starter is needed for a deep playoff run if they are playing the way they should. That can be Swayman for the Bruins and they would have $5-million (Ullmark's contract) freed up to use on someone this season and next that will contribute every game.

There are multiple teams around the league that have had goalie issues and continue to struggle in net. Many of these teams should either be better than they are and are being dragged down by netminding, or just don't have any real internal solution in net to get them where they need to be. The best option is for the Bruins to take advantage of the market now as it will be easier to grab what they need when teams are desperate.

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