Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman, Linus Ullmark hoping to return
On Sunday, the Boston Bruins will conclude their season with exit interviews. Both members of their talented goaltender combination have expressed excitement for the upcoming season, despite rumours and scepticism throughout the entire season.
According to Ty Anderson of 985 Sports Hub Underground, Jeremy Swayman, the younger of the two and Boston’s most recent starter, told reporters he intends to sign a long-term agreement with the Bruins. Swayman stated that he doesn’t want to play elsewhere and that he is sure a trade will be
De facto backup Linus Ullmark, meanwhile, quelled trade rumours by pointing out that he still has one year left on his deal, according to NHL.com’s Amalie Benjamin. “I have another year left,” Ullmark declared. “My only wish would be to return here and receive a brief tour of retribution. I’m incredibly motivated and thrilled about what’s ahead.
When questioned about his 16-team no-trade provision, Ullmark was similarly reticent, telling Anderson that the teams on his list are there for a purpose.
Although neither Ullmark nor general manager Don Sweeney have confirmed it, there have been rumours that Ullmark prevented a trade deadline transfer to the Los Angeles Kings. The former Vezina Trophy winner is nevertheless defending his contractual rights, which may make any offseason manoeuvre more difficult to pull off.
However, this does not negate Boston’s continued pursuit of Ullmark. Prior to the 2024 NHL Draft, moving him is still the team’s #1 priority, according to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic.
Shinzawa notes that rather than being concerned about the location, Ullmark’s worries about moving in the middle of the season had more to do with being away from his family or changing where his kids went to school.
Those worries should be mitigated by the offseason, though they speak to the layers of human consideration that go into trade talks. Luckily, Ullmark should have no shortage of suitors boasting a $5M cap hit for one more season, an incredibly affordable price for a former Vezina winner.
Breaking up the 2023 William Jennings Trophy winners certainly seems like a smart idea for the Bruins.
This season, Swayman has demonstrated his consistency with 25 victories and a.916 save percentage over 44 games. However, Ullmark’s ice time was still restricted as Boston continued to give him 40 games of his own. With 22 victories and a.915 save percentage, he validated the appearances.
Boston even rode both of them in the postseason; they were almost identical. Having two excellent goaltenders is undoubtedly a fantastic situation, but it also keeps Boston from using their excellent depth chart. Specifically, it appears that AHL starter Brandon Bussi deserves a call-up to the NHL.
In 41 AHL games this season, he recorded 23 victories and a.913 save percentage. In the playoffs, he has demonstrated the trademark Bruins clutch with a.922 save percentage through four games.
The performances have brought Bussi up to 48 wins and a .918 save percentage in 78 AHL games since 2021 – ranked eighth in the league in wins and 16th in save percentage in that span.
Moving Ullmark would have the benefits of allowing Swayman to take on a bigger role, creating opportunity for younger goalies and returning to Boston what’s sure to be a substantial trade package.