The Ottawa Senators are looking for an upgrade between the pipes this offseason — that’s not a secret after Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg were among the National Hockey League’s worst goalies in 2023-24. And although the front office’s quest to bring Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark to Ontario proved fruitless last year, they might not be finished trying to acquire the veteran.
Sens general manager Steve Staios is expected to “make another pitch before the draft set for June 28-29 in Las Vegas,” reported The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch last week.
The longtime hockey reporter added: “There is talk the Senators offered Korpisalo to the Bruins as part of a package for Ullmark at the deadline and Sweeney politely declined. Boston can’t afford to take on the $16 million in salary and the four years remaining on Korpisalo’s contract.
“A league executive said Thursday he believes the Senators would likely have to offer defenceman Jakob Chychrun along with a first-round pick and another selection to acquire Ullmark. Even then, he has the hammer because he does have the modified no-trade clause.”
Obviously, parting with Chychrun would not be an easy ask for Staios and the front office. But an upgrade is neeeded in net if this team hopes to compete for a playoff spot in 2025 and beyond.
If the two clubs were able to work something out, Ullmark would also have to waive his no-trade clause. And as the veteran goaltender asserted earlier in May, the only thing on his mind is the final year of his contract.
“My future here? I got one more year,” said the former Vezina Trophy winner. “I wouldn’t want anything else than to come back here, get a little bit of a revenge tour. I’m very excited, motivated for what’s to come.”
Linus Ullmark doesn’t want to leave Bruins, but it’s complicated
A goal scored by Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Tyler Bertuzzi (not seen) on Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) was overturned after video review during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Bruins would internally probably like to keep Ullmark, the fact remains that Jeremy Swayman is the goaltender of the future in Beantown. And the 25-year-old pending restricted free agent is going to need a long-term contract — a well-deserved one.
That could leave Ullmark as the odd man out if Boston decides to bring up Brandon Bussi, who has been excellent for the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League and also needs a new contract.
That’s not to mention that the Bruins are looking at nine UFAs and three RFAs on July 1. Ullmark reportedly has a 15-team no trade list, and there are other suitors, including the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils.
Sweeney already admitted earlier this offseason that he will at least take calls for Ullmark, who started just one game in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“We’re gonna find a landing spot with Jeremy Swayman [on a contract], and if we can make the math work, we’re going to have the best tandem. If we can’t, we’re going to explore. And for Linus, he may come to us and change his mind, that may occur as well,” the executive said, per Garrioch.
“Right now, we were very happy to sign Linus and, in a perfect world, we would keep the tandem because I think it’s damn good. But we’re going to explore opportunities. My phone’s going to ring, I’m going to make calls. That’s just what the job requires.”
It’ll be intriguing to see if Staios and the Senators front office is able to make the call that will bring the 2022-23 goalie of the year to Ottawa.
