Linus Ullmark
It seems like trade is the most likely outcome for the Devils when it comes to the goaltender position, and there are some intriguing options. Many are looking at the huge options like Connor Hellebuyck, who we’ve covered before, Spencer Knight, or Gibson, who is on this list. The Devils will likely go big-game hunting, but there are a lot of intriguing names out there they might target.
One team that makes a lot of sense to target is the Boston Bruins. They signed Linus Ullmark to big money last offseason while also giving Jeremy Swayman a chance to take the starting role. This was all on top of trying to take one more run with Tuukka Rask, who ended up retiring in the middle of the season.
The Bruins have no need to keep paying Ullmark his premium at this point. He’s making $5 million for the next three seasons. This, as the Bruins have a paltry $2.3 million to spend this offseason. They need to somehow replace or retain Patrice Bergeron with that money. They also only have David Pastrnak signed for one more season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The Bruins will do what they can to drop salary this offseason, but the Devils can’t help them by taking Ullmark off their hands. The Devils have the right assets to get a bigger fish. He was pretty good this season, and the Bruins probably don’t regret paying him $5 million this season. However, he did lose his job to someone a few years younger. The Devils don’t need to get into the business of bailing out the Bruins.