Trade Chatter Around Bruins Star Picking Up
Will the Bruins trade this star during the summer?
The Boston Bruins currently have a 1-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers in the second round. Their goal is to extend to 2-0 on Wednesday.
The primary reason the Bruins have gotten this far in the playoffs is because of star goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The Alaska native has been nothing short of magnificent and has stolen the Bruins' crease, at least for now.
Fellow star goalie Linus Ullmark has made just one appearance this postseason, in Game 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old picked up a loss in it, but it was far from his fault, as he saved 31 out of 34 shots. The offense just did not deliver for him in that matchup.
However, with Swayman due for his next contract and being the long-term answer between the pipes for Boston, there's been plenty of speculation over Ullmark as a trade candidate. He was reportedly almost moved at the deadline, and trade talk centering around this summer is very likely on the table.
NHL insider David Pagnotta dove into this recently on the Sirius XM NHL Network Radio Power Play.
" I think Ullmark will be moved this summer... I think there was an understanding as well, and part of the reason why he didn’t want to waive his no-trade clause prior to the trade deadline, and he wants to kind of see the season out, and I think he understands that it’s likely going to be assuming his last run, be it a short one. But it’s still his last little run here with the Boston Bruins."
Pagnotta also added:
"So, trying to do what you can to support your club at this point. But Jeremy Swayman, I think, is certainly going to be the guy moving forward. They’re gonna figure that out in relatively short order once their offseason officially begins, but I think Ullmark will be entered into the goalie market."
If the Bruins elect to shop Ullmark this offseason, there should be several suitors for his services. He is a quality starter with a Vezina Trophy on his resume, so teams needing goaltending will surely target him.