Linus Ullmark, the Boston Bruins’ goalie, has reportedly placed the Toronto Maple Leafs on his no-trade list, making him unavailable for a trade to Toronto, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
Ullmark, recognized as one of the top goalies available this offseason, is entering the final year of his four-year, $20 million contract with the Bruins, signed in 2021.
With Jeremy Swayman anticipated to become the starting goalie, Ullmark is expected to be traded.
Despite earlier speculations linking the Maple Leafs to a potential trade for Ullmark, Pagnotta’s report clarifies that Ullmark has chosen to include Toronto on his 15-team no-trade list.
This move effectively rules out any possibility of him joining the Maple Leafs.
Pagnotta noted, “There is a growing belief that Ullmark will find a new home within the next two weeks… Sweeney is expected to escalate some of those other trade talks as early as today, though it is unclear how many teams remain in the hunt.”
Additionally, on NHL Network, Pagnotta highlighted that the Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams evaluating Ullmark as part of their goaltending options. However, the Maple Leafs are not in the mix due to Ullmark’s decision to place Toronto on his no-trade list.
Ullmark’s no-trade clause, which allows him to block trades to 15 teams, is a strategic decision to control his career trajectory.
Including Toronto on this list indicates his preference to avoid a move to the Maple Leafs, despite their interest. Ullmark’s performance statistics from the last season are noteworthy:
he achieved a 22-10-7 record, maintained a 2.57 goals-against average, and posted a .915 save percentage. In the playoffs, he started two games against Toronto, recording a 3.90 goals-against average and a .886 save percentage.
As the offseason progresses, Ullmark’s future remains a significant topic of discussion among NHL teams and analysts.
His decision to block a trade to Toronto narrows the field of potential destinations, but it also highlights the strategic maneuvers players can employ to influence their careers.
With the Bruins looking to make moves and other teams assessing their goaltending needs, Ullmark’s situation continues to develop, promising further updates and potential trades in the near future.
Overall, Ullmark’s inclusion of the Maple Leafs on his no-trade list exemplifies the complex considerations and negotiations behind NHL trades, reflecting both personal preferences and professional strategies.
As the Bruins navigate these trade talks, Ullmark’s next destination remains uncertain but highly anticipated.
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