Pieces are in place for a trade involving Linus Ullmark out of Boston!

It’s been known around the National Hockey League that the New Jersey Devils are intently looking for a goaltender and Andrew Fantucchio of Boston Hockey Now believes they could be close to finding their man. Fantucchio suggest that the pieces are in place for a deal between the Bruins and Devils that would send goalie Linus Ullmark to New Jersey. He points out how a trade involving Ullmark would make sense for both clubs, especially since the Bruins have no picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft in a couple of weeks.

It has been confirmed how Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is willing to trade away his No. 10 overall pick, which would be a great kickoff to rebuilding Boston’s prospect pool.

“Not only does a trade involving Ullmark and the No. 10 overall pick make too much sense for the Devils, it also does so for the Bruins. Currently holding only three picks in this year’s draft and none in the first three rounds, it’d be wise for Bruins GM Don Sweeney to acquire whatever draft capital he can to restock a shallow Boston prospect pool.”

It’s also been said that the Devils and GM Fitzgerald have been interested in Nashville Predators netminder Juuse Saros. However, it has recently been reported by insider Pierre LeBrun that Preds general manager Barry Trotz plans to meet with Saros’ agent this week to lay the groundwork for a contract extension, which could mean he is no longer an option for New Jersey.

The Devils were also linked to Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom in the past, though I like Ullmark’s numbers way better. The Bruins netminder finished the regular season with a record of 22-10-7 in 39 starts, a save percentage of .915 and a 2.57 GAA.

There is a feeling that Fitzgerald would have all the pieces in place to land Ullmark if he includes his first-rounder in his offer, though on Monday, the GM mentioned how significant the return would have to be.

“If we feel it helps us now and in the foreseeable future, then, yes, I’m listening,” Fitzgerald told NHL.com at the scouting combine in Buffalo. “I haven’t gotten anything yet, but the more I talk to teams, I say, ‘Listen, I’m open to moving No. 10, but it’s going to have to be something (significant).”

I say Ullmark is.