The Ottawa Senators are actively pursuing a trade for Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark, who remains one of the most sought-after players still available in the market.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reported on June 19 that the Senators have escalated their efforts to acquire Ullmark, indicating intensified discussions between the two teams. This development follows earlier indications of Ottawa’s interest in bolstering their goaltending stability with Ullmark.
Garrioch emphasized that the Senators appear to be the primary suitor left in contention for Ullmark’s services, positioning them as potentially the sole serious candidate pursuing a deal with Boston.
Andrew Fantucchio of Boston Hockey Now outlined potential trade packages that Ottawa could offer, highlighting defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a first-round pick in the 2024 draft as prominent assets likely to be included in any serious negotiation with Boston.
The Senators boast considerable depth in left-side defensemen, including Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson, but have identified a pressing need for a reliable starting goaltender. With two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, Ottawa has valuable assets to entice the Bruins.
One suggested scenario involves offering a first-round draft pick, although Fantucchio noted that alone might not suffice to secure Ullmark’s acquisition. Discussions could potentially include negotiating around Chychrun, but it’s deemed improbable that Boston would entertain a deal without receiving a first-round pick in return.
Drawing parallels from the recent Jacob Markstrom trade to the New Jersey Devils, where the Calgary Flames received a first-round draft pick along with a player, it sets a precedent for what Boston might expect in return for Ullmark.
Fantucchio also mentioned Senators’ senior vice president Dave Poulin’s openness to parting with their 7th overall pick, speculating that Boston might find the 25th overall selection equally satisfactory in trade talks.
The focus on Chychrun as a trade asset stems from his status as a left-handed defenseman entering the final year of his contract with a $4.6 million cap hit. Recent indications suggest Chychrun’s uncertainty about his future in Ottawa, potentially making him a viable trade candidate.
Chychrun’s skill set as a versatile defenseman effective on both ends of the ice positions him as an attractive option for Boston, especially to bolster their defensive corps alongside players like Charlie McAvoy or Brandon Carlo, while contributing significantly on special teams.
Linus Ullmark, the recipient of the 2023 Vezina Trophy, has been pivotal for the Bruins but faces an uncertain future with the emergence of Jeremy Swayman as Boston’s top goaltender. Despite posting a respectable .915 save percentage in 40 games during the 2023-24 season, Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit and status as a secondary goalie suggest the Bruins are motivated to explore trade opportunities.
Kevin Weekes of NHL Network previously reported Ullmark’s use of a modified no-trade clause, which allows him to block trades to certain teams, indicating his preference regarding potential destinations.
Boston’s general manager, Don Sweeney, acknowledged during team discussions that while ideally, they would retain their goaltending tandem, exploring trade options is essential to optimize team dynamics and cap management.
Dave Poulin reaffirmed the Senators’ commitment to improving their goaltending situation, underscoring their proactive approach in addressing critical team needs ahead of the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Ottawa Senators’ pursuit of Linus Ullmark underscores their strategic efforts to enhance their goaltending depth, leveraging substantial assets to potentially secure a deal with the Boston Bruins amidst a competitive NHL landscape.
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