Getty The Boston Bruins could land a top-tier defenseman in exchange for Linus Ullmark.
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.
.@KevinWeekes on ESPN The Point says #NHLBruins thought they had something with Linus Ullmark, “so there was a deal that he essentially nixed, in large part based on geography, I’m told.”
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.
Additionally, Bruins GM Don Sweeney made clear during the team’s exit interviews on May 22 that he will “explore opportunities,” meaning trading Ullmark is a possibility during the 2024 offseason.
“Linus may come to us and change his mind. That may occur as well. Right now, he’s really happy. We were very happy to sign Linus. And in a perfect world, we would keep the tandem. Because I think it’s damn good,” Sweeney said on May 22. “But we’re going to explore opportunities.
“My phone’s going to ring. I’m going to make calls. That’s just what the job requires.”
Jakob Chychrun Doesn’t Have ‘Head Wrapped Around’ Future
Chychrun, 26, is also approaching the final year of his contract, which includes a $4.6 million cap hit. During his end-of-season interview, however, Chychrun expressed uncertainty about his future with the Senators, who acquired him in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes in March 2023.
Jakob Chychrun asked if Ottawa is the place he wants to play the next couple of years:
“It’s a tough question, I don’t know. I honestly have not thought about that. I know I have 1 more year left (on my contract). There haven’t been talks of an extension or anything so I…
“I honestly have not thought about that. I know I have one more year left [on my contract]. There haven’t been talks of an extension or anything, so I haven’t got my head wrapped around that idea,” Chychrun said on April 18 when asked about his future.
The Senators have a surplus of left-side defensemen, including Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson. More important than what Ottawa has on the roster is what they don’t: a bonafide starter in net.
The Ottawa Sun’s Garrioch reported on May 23 that the Senators were among the teams interested in Ullmark before the deadline.
Garrioch suggested the Senators might revisit their interest in Ullmark during the offseason, quoting league sources mentioning a potential trade package sent to the Bruins.
“A league executive said Thursday [May 23] he believes the Senators would likely have to offer defenceman Jakob Chychrun along with a first-round pick and another selection to acquire Ullmark,” Garrioch wrote.
In the end, this trade would depend on Ullmark’s no-trade list.