Bruins reportedly considering major shakeup in net

From the moment the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs started for the Bruins, fans and pundits could tell that there was something wrong with goaltender Linus Ullmark. It was obvious that he was dealing with some kind of ailment, and that was later confirmed by NHL analyst Kevin Weekes following their inexplicable postseason loss to the Florida Panthers. 

Boston's stunning loss to Florida came on the heels of what was a record-breaking 65 victory season for Boston that was also highlighted by Ullmark's stellar record of 40-6-1 with a 1.89 goals against average, .938 save percentage, and his first career goal.

What are the chances that the Bruins are considering a change between the pipes? According to one unnamed NHL executive, Boston is getting ready to move on with just one of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. 

“I think they are thinking about whether to run with just one of the two guys," the executive said. "That’s my take.”

Said another NHL executive: 

“The Bruins have got some real hard choices right now, and is what it is,” another NHL source told Boston Hockey Now on Tuesday. “Ullmark has to be the guy if they’re dealing a goalie. That would bring cap relief, draft picks they don’t have and maybe more. I’m sure the Oilers, the Leafs, the Devils, the Penguins. …they’d line up for him. His value will never be higher.”

Ullmark and Swayman have formed a tremendous friendship since the former's arrival in Boston prior to the 2021-22 NHL season, and also have been among the League's better goalie duos. Ullmark is now halfway through his deal, getting ready to enter the third season of his contract that carries an AAV of $5 million. 

“Teams called on Ullmark last summer and I can tell you that they at least listened to trade offers on Ullmark because the team I was working for then was one of the teams calling on him,” the source told Boston Hockey Now on May 2. “We figured why not try after he had a shaky playoff series and they had Swayman on the rise with his contract up this offseason. Ullmark is at a doable cap hit for most teams. I could see him moved this offseason.”