Linus Ullmark blocks another trade

Clear signs are pointing to the fact that goalie Linus Ullmark’s time in Boston is coming to a close. Several teams have been linked to the Bruins’ netminder, including the Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes and at some point the New Jersey Devils, who finally acquired Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.

There is also the Toronto Maple Leafs that are interested in Ullmark, however, there is a strong feeling out there that Boston will not accept to move the goalie to a playoff and Atlantic division rival.

Oh, and there’s also the fact that Ullmark can block a trade to Toronto seeing that, according to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs are on the goalie’s no-trade list.

“The Leafs are not in the mix for Ullmark, though, as Toronto is on his no-trade list. Ottawa is also believed to be on his list, but two separate sources have told me he would accept a trade to the Senators if a deal between the two teams is finalized.”

It wouldn't be the first time Ullmark uses his clause to block a trade. Prior to the March deadline, several insiders revealed how the netminder had used his no-trade list to reject a transaction out West. 

Maple Leafs and general manager Brad Treliving would love to acquire Ullmark, who put up impressive numbers in 2023-24 with a .915 save percentage in 40 games after winning the Vezina Trophy the year prior, but the netminder is in control.

In Boston, Jeremy Swayman has become the clear-cut starting goalie, who is a pending restricted free agent that will command a significant raise this summer. Which means Ullmark is most likely on his way out, but clearly won’t be heading to Toronto.