The NHL trade deadline is over, but we still have a number of NHL rumours. We’re still dealing with the fallout of what happened last week. However, that doesn’t mean the NHL rumours are going to stop. Some deals were close to happening while others may have to wait until the summertime. Today’s NHL rumours is a Swedish goalie edition. We feature the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils in today’s edition.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: ESPN’s insider Kevin Weekes said that Linus Ullmark used his no-trade clause to block a reported move to the Los Angeles Kings on Friday.
Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark wasn't willing to accept a deal according to ESPN's Kevin Weekes. https://t.co/RBkOkzBn3S
— masslivesports (@masslivesports) March 8, 2024
Analysis: Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman have formed a key partnership in the Bruins’ success so far this season. In contrast, it may not be a sustainable model. Swayman is an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent at the end of the season. He’s probably going to command way more than his current $3.475 million cap hit. Trading Ullmark would have helped the Bruins have enough to probably give Swayman the deal he deserves. Boston also would have been free to make more moves other than adding Pat Maroon at the deadline.
Weekes said that geography may have played a hand in Ullmark nixing a trade. The Swedish netminder has a 16-team no-trade list and can pretty much decide where he wants to go if management wants to deal him. Moreover, General Manager Don Sweeney didn’t answer if Ullmark used the no-trade clause to veto a deal. “I mean, at the end of the day, I’m not ever going to get into a conversation with what I may have talked to Linus about,” Sweeney said to the media.
Some may be annoyed that Ullmark did not decide to go to a team like the Kings where he’d be the unquestioned number one goalie. However, there were likely factors other than hockey that were at play. Ullmark has also earned the right to decide where he wants to go. Those protections were in the contract that he negotiated with Sweeney and Bruins management.
It also seemed the Ullmark and Swayman still love the partnership. Swayman was quick to say “Stay right there” or “You’re staying here” after the Bruins Saturday afternoon victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. It seems that the goalie union is safe for now, but the summer could be a different story.
New Jersey Devils
Rumour: ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports that the Devils will circle back to acquiring Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom in the summer. She mentioned this during the network’s coverage of the trade deadline on Friday.
The Devils are still pushing for Jacob Markstrom or a true No. 1 goaltender— but might not get done by the deadline, so would get tabled until summer.
In meantime, New Jersey looking to add a veteran to shoulder some starts from Nico Daws & Akira Schmid down the stretch.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) March 8, 2024
Analysis: New Jersey ended up getting Jake Allen at the deadline. However, this may have only been a temporary measure to get through the season. New Jersey will likely want to bolster the goalie position ahead of next season. Both Nico Daws and Akira Schmid are trying to battle it out for goalie of the future. Therefore, solving the goalie of right now is General Manager Tom Fitzgerald‘s main issue.
Markstrom seemed to be the main target for the Devils since other goalies came off the board in the summer. Calgary did send away a number of players like Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm at the deadline. Markstrom seemed to be on his way out as well. Conversely, General Manager Craig Conroy wasn’t able to find a suitor.
The veteran goalie had voiced his frustration with Flames management about how the rumours were handled. However, Conroy is confident that the relationship with his number one goalie can be salvaged.
One can’t blame Conroy for dealing pending unrestricted free agents at the deadline. He likely didn’t want to have a repeat of the Johnny Gaudreau situation where he left Alberta for nothing. Markstrom still has two more years on his contract with a $6 million cap hit. However, he could get a nice return and this would also clear the way for Dustin Wolf.
The roster turnover could be continuing in Calgary. This could only be a temporary pause before we pick up again in the summer.
Main photo by: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
