The Ottawa Senators are aggressively pursuing Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins, with discussions intensifying and a potential deal on the horizon. Sources within the league confirmed to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen that the Senators have been actively engaged in talks with the Bruins regarding Ullmark. David Pagnotta of NHL Network added that Ullmark has indicated a willingness to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a move to Ottawa.
According to Garrioch, a possible trade scenario could see the Senators offering defenseman Jakob Chychrun, a first-round draft pick, and an additional selection to secure Ullmark, as outlined by a league executive familiar with the negotiations.
Ottawa’s pursuit of Ullmark follows their recent unsuccessful attempt to acquire Jacob Markstrom, who was instead traded to the New Jersey Devils from the Calgary Flames. The Senators, who struggled with the league’s lowest save percentage at .888 last season, are keen to bolster their goaltending. Joonas Korpisalo, signed to a five-year, $20-million contract last offseason, posted an underwhelming .890 save percentage, while Anton Forsberg remains under contract for one more year with a $2.75-million cap hit. Reports suggest Ottawa may be open to including Forsberg in a trade to upgrade their goaltending situation.
Despite initial discussions, the Bruins have shown reluctance to include Korpisalo in a potential deal for Ullmark. Ottawa has also explored the possibility of acquiring Juuse Saros from the Nashville Predators as an alternative option.
Ullmark, who expressed a desire to stay with the Bruins but understands the dynamics of the trade market, has one year remaining on his contract with a $5-million cap hit. He saw limited action in the playoffs last season, appearing in just one of Boston’s 13 games after losing the starting role to Jeremy Swayman.
Earlier this year, Ullmark prevented a trade to the Los Angeles Kings by utilizing his no-trade clause. If he does not exercise that clause with Ottawa, it appears likely that a deal can be structured to meet the interests of both teams.
With Ottawa holding the 7th and 25th overall picks in this year’s draft, discussions with the Bruins may involve t=he latter selection as part of the trade package. While an Ullmark trade seems probable, the exact pieces Ottawa is willing to part with remain uncertain. However, the inclusion of Chychrun in a potential deal appears feasible, potentially allowing the Bruins to strengthen their defense while solidifying Swayman’s role as their primary goaltender moving forward.
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