Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has around $20 million in salary cap space this offseason to acquire players to enhance the team. One of the Bruins’ prime assets for potential trades is goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Ullmark, whose contract is entering its final year with a $5 million annual cap hit, represents an appealing option for teams needing a goaltending upgrade. Among his suitors, the New Jersey Devils appear particularly interested.
**Devils Addressing Goaltending Issues**
Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic reports that the Devils, led by GM Tom Fitzgerald, are actively seeking to bolster their goalie position. The Devils boast a young and potent offensive core featuring Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier. However, their defensive and goaltending capabilities have lagged, especially following the loss of Dougie Hamilton.
The Devils have struggled with consistency in goal, having used 12 different goalies since the 2020-21 season. Vitek Vanecek provided some stability with a 30-win season, a feat not achieved since Martin Brodeur. However, Vanecek’s performance declined last season, with a 3.16 goals-against average, a .890 save percentage, and -13.54 goals saved above expected. Consequently, the Devils finished 30th in save percentage at .886.
Seeking an upgrade, Fitzgerald is willing to trade the tenth overall pick in the draft to secure a reliable goaltender. In discussions with NHL.com, Fitzgerald expressed the complexity of balancing team needs and potential trade costs, emphasizing the priority of acquiring a top-tier goalie.
**Bruins Can Capitalize on Return**
Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Sun mentioned the Ottawa Senators’ potential offer of defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a first-round pick for Ullmark. Similarly, a trade with the Devils involving the tenth overall pick would greatly benefit the Bruins.
The Bruins, with limited picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, could significantly benefit from re-entering the first round, particularly in a deep draft year. Their prospect pool, although showing promise with players like Mason Lohrei and Matthew Poitras, still requires reinforcement.
Having two number-one goalies allows the Bruins flexibility. Jeremy Swayman is seen as their future netminder, making Ullmark expendable. Trading Ullmark for a high draft pick would provide cap relief and enable the Bruins to address other roster needs.
**Potential Draft Targets for the Bruins**
If the Bruins acquire the tenth pick, they could target Tij Iginla, a dynamic forward and goal-scorer, potentially continuing his father’s legacy with the Bruins. Alternatively, Cole Eiserman, with his prolific scoring ability, or Konsta Helenius, who is considered the best all-around player in the draft, would be excellent additions.
**Mutual Benefits for Bruins and Devils**
A trade between the Bruins and Devils involving Ullmark would be mutually advantageous. The Devils would secure a much-needed top goalie, while the Bruins would gain valuable youth and cap space. With a strong core and additional resources, the Bruins can continue to build for both immediate success and future stability, enhancing their chances following a successful 109-point season and a playoff run to the second round in 2024.
