The Goalie Hug Is Officially Dead: Linus Ullmark Has Been Dealt To Ottawa

Brian Babineau. Getty Images.

It's officially time to say goodbye to the goalie hug as Linus Ullmark has been officially dealt to the Ottawa Senators. We knew Ullmark was likely gone at the end of the season, as Jeremy Swayman has become Boston's No. 1 goalie, and with the cap space Boston needs it was a no brainer to unload Ullmark before his last year. It was truly a luxury having two true No. 1 goalies who became best friends, and now they'll be division foes.

The Bruins acquire the 25th pick in the 2024 draft, Mark Kastelic and Joonas Korpisalo (25% retained) from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Linus.

Now the return is, underwhelming to say the least. After what Markstrom got in New Jersey I thought Boston was in a prime position to get a decent haul. Especially when he's being dealt WITHIN the division. That being said, it had to be done, Bruins get back into the 1st round of the draft, albeit a late round pick. I would've preferred not taking on Korpisalo's contract ($3M after 25% retained), especially another 4 years of it. Not great! Sounds like Ottawa and Ullmark's camp could not come to an agreement on an extension and thus, the return was diminished. Ullmark waived his no trade clause to go to Ottawa. So he had some leverage as well.

Mark Kastelic is a bottom six center, making 835k with one year left on his deal.

Earlier today, Brandon Bussi signed a one-year two-way extension at a cheap 775k. For now, it'll be a battle for the backup spot with Korpisalo coming over. I hope there's a market for him, because if Don can't flip Korpisalo, woof. The whole reason for trading Ullmark was to shed salary so they can make room for Swayman and other players… and he just took on 3 million for one of the worst netminders (statistically) in the league.

All in all this gives the Bruins nearly 24 million in cap space to re-sign Swayman, and fill out the rest of their roster. Pending UFA forwards include Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Pat Maroon and James van Riemsdyk. On D they have Matt Grzelcyk and Kevin Shattenkirk, both will likely test the market. If Swayman can come in at 7.5 or 8 or under, it'll be a win. Time will tell.

It'll be quite a summer for the Bruins, and they're just getting started.

Advertisement

All the best to Linus and a big thank you for all he did in a Spoked-B sweater. Tack!