What’s the future look like for Linus Ullmark in Boston?

The Boston Bruins once again had the best goalie tandem in the NHL this season.

Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark have been splitting time for three seasons. After starting 48 games in 2022-23, Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s best goaltender with a 40-6-1 record, a .938 save percentage and a 1.89 goals-against average.

Swayman went 24-6-4 with a .920 save percentage and 2.27 goals-against average in 37 games. The Bruins won the Presidents Trophy with the best record in the league. 

But in 2023-24, it was Swayman that took over the leading role… slightly. Swayman started 43 games for Boston, going 25-10-8 overall with a .916 save percentage and 2.53 goals-against average. Ullmark was also good (22-10-7, .915 save percentage, 2.57 GAA). 

In March, rumors swirled around the potential trade destinations for Ullmark. The 30-year-old has a 16-team no-trade clause in his contract, but was a top target for many clubs not on that list. But he stayed in Boston.

After only playing in two playoff games, Ullmark remains a trade target, as Swayman seems likely to be the future in net for the Bruins.

But why break up a tandem that is so good and gets along so well? 

Tyler Yaremchuk: He came out and said he has one more year on his deal, his no-trade list is a no-trade list for a reason. Ullmark’s availability, and the Bruins ability to trade Ullmark. Smoke, fire or is it a false alarm?

Frank Seravalli: Oh, it’s fire. When you have a 16-team no-trade clause, that’s half the league you can send him to… Personally, you don’t bleep with happy… Even though we know Swayman is the guy… They exceeded expectations by 10 points this year because of how well their goaltending tandem played, not just one guy… You need two goalies in today’s NHL system… The problem is there are plenty of teams that don’t have one. 

You can watch the full segment and episode here: