Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has approximately $20 million in salary cap space to make significant roster improvements this offseason. One of the most valuable trade assets on the market is Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Ullmark’s Trade Potential
Ullmark, with a $5 million annual salary, is entering the final year of his contract, making him an attractive option for teams looking to upgrade their goaltending. Among the interested parties are the Ottawa Senators and the New Jersey Devils, with the latter being a particularly intriguing trade partner.
Devils’ Goaltending Issues
According to Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic, the Devils are actively seeking to bolster their goaltending. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is focused on enhancing the position, given the team’s strong offensive core, which includes Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier. Despite Vitek Vanecek achieving a 30-win season, his performance declined, resulting in a 3.16 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage this past season. The Devils’ overall save percentage ranked 30th in the league.
Fitzgerald’s Strategy
Fitzgerald has expressed a willingness to trade the tenth overall pick in this year’s draft to secure a top-tier goaltender. He highlighted the complexity of building the team, emphasizing the need for upgrades both upfront and on defense, with goaltending being a priority.
Bruins’ Trade Prospects
The Ottawa Senators have reportedly offered defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a first-round pick for Ullmark. A similar offer from the Devils, involving the tenth overall pick, would be highly beneficial for the Bruins. Boston’s prospect pool could use an infusion of talent, and re-entering the first round of a deep draft would be a significant advantage.
Potential Draft Targets for the Bruins
If the Bruins acquire the tenth overall pick, they could target players like Tij Iginla, Cole Eiserman, or Konsta Helenius. Iginla, known for his goal-scoring prowess, and Eiserman, with his lethal shot, would add much-needed offensive firepower. Helenius, considered one of the best all-around players, would be a valuable addition if available.
A Win-Win Trade
A trade between the Bruins and Devils would be mutually beneficial. The Devils would secure a top-tier goaltender, while the Bruins would gain valuable draft capital and financial flexibility to enhance other areas of their roster. This move would strengthen the Bruins’ present and future, ensuring the team remains competitive.
With the Bruins coming off a successful 109-point season and a second-round playoff appearance, adding new talent and leveraging Ullmark’s trade value positions them well for continued success. The core is solid, and with strategic moves, the Bruins can further solidify their roster for the upcoming season.
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