Ullmark Trade Could Have Historic Impact on Bruins and NHL
There has been much speculation about the Boston Bruins potentially trading goalie Linus Ullmark this offseason. While the specifics of what the Bruins might receive in return remain uncertain, the move is expected to have significant implications for both the Bruins and the broader NHL.
On the surface, trading Ullmark seems unthinkable. Just a year ago, he won the Vezina Trophy, playing a crucial role in the Bruins’ record-setting regular season. However, with the rise of Jeremy Swayman this past season, the Bruins are now considering trading Ullmark as he enters the final year of his contract.
Such a trade is almost unprecedented in the salary cap era, with only two recent examples of Vezina finalists being traded. One instance involved Ben Bishop, who was traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Los Angeles Kings during the 2016-17 season. With one year left on his contract and the emergence of Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa traded Bishop for Peter Budaj, Erik Cernak, and a seventh-round draft pick. This deal proved highly beneficial for the Lightning, as Cernak became a key player in their Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, and Vasilevskiy has been one of the league’s top goalies since.
In contrast, Bishop’s stint with the Kings was brief, lasting just 72 days. He played only seven games for Los Angeles before being traded to Dallas, where he signed a six-year, $29.5 million contract. The Kings received just a fourth-round pick in return.
Another notable trade involved Marc-André Fleury, who was traded by the Vegas Golden Knights to the Chicago Blackhawks shortly before winning the Vezina in 2021. Despite Fleury being the face of the Golden Knights franchise, Vegas needed to free up $7 million in cap space. In return, they received defense prospect Mikael Hakkarainen, who never made it to the NHL and has since retired.
Boston’s situation with Ullmark is different because the Bruins are not under immediate pressure to make a move. Although they are inclined to trade him, they have time, as Ullmark still has a year left on his contract and maintains a good relationship with Swayman. These factors should increase Ullmark’s trade value, allowing the Bruins to consider the best offers.
In summary, while the Bruins don’t need to rush a decision, Ullmark’s potential trade could set a precedent in the NHL, demonstrating the value of a former Vezina finalist. The outcome will reveal the true market worth of such a player.
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