Truth exposed on Linus Ullmark’s blocked trade and what it means for this summer!
Putting the Bruins in a tough spot:
Once the trade deadline was over and done with, reports emerged that Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark had used his clause and blocked a trade out of Boston, “ in large part based on geography.”
While for months, the team that had attempted to pry the netminder from the Bruins was believed to be the Los Angeles Kings, as reported by insiders including Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now reports that the club was in fact the Colorado Avalanche. He even added that we could see Ullmark veto more trades this summer:
“From the sounds of it, whether it is the Avalanche or any other potential team that is interested, it may take a lot for Ullmark to approve a trade unless that team isn’t on his list.”
It has become quite clear in Boston that Jeremy Swayman is ready to be the team’s full-time starter. The young goalie signed a one-year, $3.475 million contract in arbitration last summer and is scheduled for restricted free agency again in July. He could be given the full starting role and the Bruins could go get an affordable veteran backup option to support him in the future.
Which means Ullmark is on his way out. But where if the goalie uses again his no-trade list, especially now that he gets to submit a new list of 15 teams prior to next season. Some say that he could have put down the names of all teams in the Western conference, looking to stay put out East.
The Bruins have a projected $20.9 million of cap space for next season with 17 active roster players under contract. Rumours claim that GM Don Sweeney is looking to add a big piece up front, possibly during free agency, which means that moving Ullmark would give the Bruins even more wiggle room in their wallet.
But there is a huge challenge in moving Ullmark, armed with his no-trade list, though a trade would more than likely help both parties.
Let’s see where this one goes…
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