Why it would be a mistake for Bruins to trade Ullmark amid hot start

Why it would be a mistake for Bruins to trade Ullmark amid hot start originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Edmonton Oilers are currently struggling, with their team facing significant challenges, especially in the absence of Connor McDavid. The team’s defense and goaltending have been far from impressive, having allowed the third-most goals at 47 and boasting a league-worst .860 save percentage.

As a result of these defensive woes, Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell, who were both expected to provide solid goaltending, have significantly underperformed. The Oilers, with a disappointing 2-8-1 record, are notably eight points out of a playoff spot and are in dire need of a goalie upgrade. The team’s star players, McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are in their prime years and time is running out for the Oilers to capitalize on their elite talent.

Oilers fans have looked to the Boston Bruins as a potential solution to their goaltending issues, acknowledging the Bruins’ depth in goalkeeping talent. However, the move to trade goalie Linus Ullmark to the Oilers has raised questions among hockey enthusiasts.

The Bruins, currently leading the Eastern Conference, have been powered by excellent performances from their goalies, with both Jeremy Swayman and Ullmark playing at an extremely high level. Their brilliant form has compensated for defensive deficiencies, resulting in the Bruins boasting a league-best .939 save percentage and the fewest goals against.

Considering this, trading a No. 1 goalie and Vezina winner like Ullmark to the Oilers makes little sense, especially given the lack of a substantial return in players that would be crucial for the Bruins.

One proposed trade scenario involving the Bruins and Oilers has sparked debate on social media, suggesting the exchange of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to the Bruins in exchange for Ullmark heading to the Oilers. However, doubts have emerged over the suitability of Nugent-Hopkins for the Bruins due to his performance without McDavid and his lack of consistency.

The potential loss of Ullmark and the implications for the Bruins’ goaltending depth have also been a subject of concern, with the uncertainty around promoting Brandon Bussi from the AHL to serve as Swayman’s backup. Additionally, the unlikelihood of Ullmark waiving his no-trade clause to join the struggling Oilers adds further complications to the proposed trade.

Ultimately, the current situation does not warrant disrupting the Bruins’ goaltending strength, making a trade for Ullmark to the Oilers unlikely. The Bruins’ need to maintain their elite goaltending duo and strengthen their roster in other areas, leaving the Oilers to find alternative solutions to their struggles.