Bruins Have Made Their Decision in Net as they identify another key-player as Offseason Trade Candidate

The Boston Bruins have been alternating between goalies Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark throughout the season, including in the playoffs. Despite Ullmark’s Vezina Trophy win in 2022-23, Swayman has been the stronger goalie this season, earning more starts. Swayman started Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading the Bruins to a win.

However, the Bruins broke their trend by starting Ullmark in Game 2, which resulted in a loss. Swayman then started eight of the next nine games, including back-to-back performances where he allowed four or more goals. After being pulled in a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in the second round, the Bruins went back to Swayman, but he allowed nine goals in two games.

The Bruins’ defense has not provided much support to Swayman in the past two games, with four of the Panthers’ goals in Game 3 coming on the power play and some unusual bounces.

BRUINS TREND BREAKING UP

The Boston Bruins’ coaching staff, led by Jim Montgomery, initially stuck to their season-long goalie rotation, starting Linus Ullmark in Game 2, which resulted in a loss. However, they soon settled on Jeremy Swayman, who started eight of the next nine games, including two performances where he allowed four or more goals. After Swayman was pulled in a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, the Bruins went back to him, but he suffered another loss.

While Swayman’s nine goals allowed in two games is concerning, the Bruins’ defense has not provided adequate support. The Panthers scored four power-play goals in Game 3, and there were some unusual bounces.

The goalie rotation was eventually halted after Swayman’s strong performance against Toronto, where he stopped 63 of 66 shots and posted a .950 save percentage in the first round. Ullmark, on the other hand, allowed three goals in his lone postseason start, resulting in a loss. The Bruins’ primary concern was failing to advance beyond the first round as the higher seed, but Swayman’s performance ensured they avoided that outcome.

ULLMARK’S TIME IN BOSTON COMING TO AN END

While the Boston Bruins’ strategy of utilizing both Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark has been effective in recent seasons, it was initially a cost-effective approach during Swayman’s developmental phase as a starter.

However, both goalies have now established themselves as strong NHL starters, making it impractical to retain and pay both while neglecting other roster needs. Despite the success of this approach in the current season, Swayman’s standout playoff performances have elevated him to clear starter status, earning favor in Boston. Ullmark, with a $5 million AAV cap hit for one more season before becoming a UFA, presents a financial challenge for the Bruins.

While Ullmark has a limited no-trade clause, the Bruins are exploring options to move forward with Swayman as their primary starter. Negotiating Swayman’s contract for this season was a delayed process, but his performance warrants a higher salary moving forward. As a younger and more effective goalie this season, Swayman’s emergence as the top choice highlights the need to allocate resources efficiently.

Transitioning from a tandem to a clear starter-backup dynamic can optimize cap space without compromising performance. While the relationship between Swayman and Ullmark is valued, the NHL’s competitive nature prioritizes winning, prompting the Bruins to consider adjustments in their goaltending setup to enhance their roster flexibility and competitiveness.