Bruins Fans Should Be Upset After Disappointing Linus Ullmark Return
By Ryan Bunton
Brady Tkachuk? The seventh-overall pick? The tenth-overall pick? Jakob Chychrun? Martin Necas? Nope, none of the above.
After what feels like an eternity of speculation, the Bruins have dealt goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. The return will (and should) leave Boston fans frustrated.
Bruins Fans Rightfully Upset with Disappointing Linus Ullmark Return
The #NHLBruins have acquired forward Mark Kastelic, goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, and a 2024 first-round draft pick (25th overall) from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Linus Ullmark.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 24, 2024
📰: https://t.co/2y8ZU1p4CZ pic.twitter.com/eEujq6sy9J
Ullmark trade is about to devastate Boston fans. Return is brutal
— Empty Netters (@EmptyNettersPod) June 24, 2024
Hearing the return for Ullmark STINKS
— Mike Grinnell (@MikeGrinnell_) June 24, 2024
In exchange for Ullmark, the Bruins will receive the 25th-overall-pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, as well as goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, and center Mark Kastelic. Korpisalo will presumably slide in as Boston's backup goaltender to Jeremy Swayman, who separated himself with a strong postseason performance. Swayman is also an unrestricted free agent this offseason and is in line for a hefty payday.
The Bruins were not slated to pick in the first three rounds of the NHL Draft before acquiring the 25th overall selection. Kastelic is a 25-year-old center with 10 points in 63 career games. The Senators will also retain 25 percent of Korpisalo's $4 million average annual value. The 30-year-old is signed through 2027-28.
Ullmark spent three seasons in Boston after signing a 4-year, $20 million deal with the B's in July 2021. He began his career with the Buffalo Sabres but blossomed in Boston, becoming a Vezina Trophy winner and establishing himself as one of the best goaltenders in the league.
A lack of an extension is likely a large reason why the return for Ullmark is so disappointing. Ullmark is entering the last season of his contract, and an extension was rumored to be part of the trade negotiations. With no assurance that the goaltender would still be in Ottawa past this season, the Senators were likely more hesitant to give up the farm for Ullmark.
Rumors had been swirling around Ullmark since the end of last season, and the hypothetical returns floated for Ullmark often featured some talented NHL players and high draft picks. This is far from that, and Bruins fans shouldn't be happy.
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