Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark has been the subject of trade rumors for several months, and a June 7 trade proposal by Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson makes the case for a swap with the Ottawa Senators for $27 million defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
This would be a “hockey trade,” a player-for-player deal that addresses specific roster and financial needs for both franchises ahead of the 2024 NHL draft, scheduled for June 28-29.
Linus Ullmark Blocked a Trade to the Western Conference in March
Ullmark’s future with the Bruins has been in question mostly because of his secondary role and large cap hit for being the 1B to Jeremy Swayman‘s 1A status.
Ullmark, 30, a Vezina Trophy winner in the 2023 season, is entering the final year of his contract. He will earn $5 million through the 2024-25 season before becoming a free agent.
NHL Network Insider Kevin Weekes reported on March 8 on Ullmark’s use of his modified no-trade clause, per NHL News. The NTC includes 16 teams — 14 of which are in the Western Conference, Boston Hockey Now reported — and according to the outlet Ullmark blocked a move to one of those Western Conference teams.
The Los Angeles Kings were identified as the primary suitor for Ullmark before the deadline. A source told Boston Hockey Now, however, “I can’t reveal that [the team trying to trade for Ullmark] right now out of respect to all involved” but later revealed that it was not the Kings.
Richardson thinks the Bruins will chase a left-shot defenseman with Matt Grzelcyk potentially leaving in free agency.