As the 2024 campaign approaches, the Ottawa Senators’ president of hockey operations and general manager, Steve Staios, should be considering a trade for Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark. With Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg as the current goaltending duo, the Senators risk missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. Acquiring Ullmark could change their fortunes.
Staios has limited options to improve his goaltending situation. The Senators lack promising prospects in Belleville, as evidenced by Mads Sogaard needing more seasoning in the AHL. The free agent market also offers scant talent, leaving a trade as the only viable option.
Potential Trade: Chychrun for Ullmark
A trade involving Jakob Chychrun for the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Ullmark seems ideal. Chychrun, under contract for another full season with a $4.6 million cap hit, would be a valuable addition to the Bruins, who need to strengthen their defense. Injuries and expiring contracts have left Boston with three defensemen becoming free agents on July 1.
Despite Ullmark’s surplus status in Boston, his value is high. Bruins GM Don Sweeney is likely to ask for more than just Chychrun, potentially including picks and prospects. According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, an NHL executive suggested the Senators might need to offer Chychrun, a first-round pick, and another selection to secure Ullmark.
Challenges in the Trade
Several obstacles could hinder this trade. Sweeney’s high demands, including additional picks, could be a deal-breaker for Ottawa, whose prospect pool is ranked 31st in the NHL. Ullmark’s modified no-trade clause also complicates matters, as it’s likely Ottawa is on his list of teams he won’t play for.
If Staios manages to work out a Chychrun-Ullmark trade, he would still need to address the status of Korpisalo. Any belief in Korpisalo as a starting goaltender has faded, and his $4 million cap hit with four years remaining makes him a tough sell. Moving Forsberg, with his $2.75 million salary and one year left, would be easier.
Sweeney might prefer to trade Ullmark outside the division and the Eastern Conference, adding another layer of complexity to the deal.
Timing and Market Competition
The market for a goalie like Ullmark is competitive, with teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings reportedly interested. Staios must act quickly if he hopes to land Ullmark.
If the Senators miss out on Ullmark, their options diminish. In-season goalie trades are rare and often come too late to impact a team’s playoff chances. Off-season trades allow goalies to adjust to new teams and systems, making them preferable.
The next few weeks will be crucial for Staios and the Senators. Acquiring Ullmark could significantly improve their goaltending and playoff prospects. As the off-season progresses, the goaltending situation will be a key focus for both Ottawa and Boston. Stay tuned to see if Staios can secure the elite talent needed to end Ottawa’s playoff drought.
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