According to multiple reports, the Red Wings are one of several teams exploring the market for Boston goaltender Linus Ullmark. Here's more on the latest in Detroit's pursuit of a number one option in net
According to multiple reports, the Red Wings are one of several teams exploring the market for Boston goaltender Linus Ullmark. Here's more on the latest in Detroit's pursuit of a number one option in net
According to multiple reports, the Detroit Red Wings are exploring the possibility of trading for Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reported as much yesterday in reference to the Senators' potential pursuit of Ullmark, saying "The Vegas Golden Knights and Detroit Red Wings are reportedly also involved in talks to acquire Ullmark...While the Senators offered Korpisalo in return to the Bruins when the two sides spoke in March, Boston is in need of a centre."
Meanwhile, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has not necessarily suggested that Detroit is in on Ullmark so much as he's stipulated conditions around that possibility. On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said, "This [Steve] Yzerman quote, if he's interested in Ullmark, that says to me he wants Ullmark with an extension." Ullmark currently has one year left on his contract, worth $5 million.
The quote in question comes from the Red Wings GM's pre-draft press conference last Friday, at which he said:
-"We'll look at the goalie market, and if something makes sense for us to do that we think improves us. Whether that be via trade or free agency, we're not opposed to doing that. I know we have two, but I do now we need to try to see if we can improve our team, but having said that, I don't anticipate...using prime assets, whatever you would consider those to be, to acquire say an older goaltender that might not be here two, three, four years from now."
That quote does not make it sound as though Yzerman is desperate for a goaltender, but it does suggest a general desire to upgrade on the Ville Husso-Alex Lyon tandem currently at his disposal, provided that upgrade comes at the right price. It also suggests that, even as the Red Wings have two credible long-term goaltending bets in Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine, Yzerman would want a potential addition to the goalie room to be in it for the long haul.
Friedman subsequently reported on the nature of the Bruins' desired return for the 30-year-old Ullmark, who is coming off a .915 save percentage and 2.57 goals against average in 40 appearance for Boston this season. For his effort the season prior (.938 SV %, 1.89 GAA), Ullmark won the Vezina. There can be little doubting his bona fides as a goaltending option, though if there are nits to pick they are (1) he has the benefit of playing behind one of the NHL's best defensive teams and (2) his experience as a true number one (i.e. not part of a tandem) is limited. His 49 appearances in '22-23 represent the only time he has played more than half his team's games in a season.
Nonetheless, Friedman noted on an NHL Network hit that the Bruins want a bigger return for Ullmark than the Calgary Flames got from New Jersey for Jacob Markstrom last week, while trade partners don't see it the same way without an extension in place. Markstrom (with 31.3% of his salary retained) went for defenseman Kevin Bahl and a top-ten protected 2025 first round pick. Friedman pointed out that with the Kings (Darcy Kuemper) and Devils (Markstrom) each adding goaltenders already, the number of teams actively seeking a starter is dwindling. He also mentioned Yzerman again as a GM exploring the goaltending market.
It appears the Red Wings, Senators, and Golden Knights are the three principal suitors for a goaltending acquisition at this point. It would make sense that the Ullmark sweepstakes are resolved this week by the end of the draft, so it will be a week for Detroit fans to keep their eyes peeled for the latest goaltending rumblings.
Also from THN Detroit
From the Archive: Jim Devellano, the Yzerplan and What it Means "To Have Steve Yzerman in Detroit"
Who Are the Best Draft Picks in Red Wings History?
Three Takeaways From Steve Yzerman's Pre-Draft Presser
The Detroit Red Wings’ Best Active Homegrown Player: Brought to You By Upper Deck
Around the League: Has McDavid Secured the Conn Smythe, Win or Lose?
The Best Red Wings Picks in Each Round of the NHL Draft: Fifth RoundDubois & Markstrom, Cup Final Tightens, and Best of the Best of Drafts: The Silky Mitten State Episode 31