Ottawa wants Ullmark, Boston likely to take them up on it
The Senators are interested in bolstering their goaltending, and Boston has multiple needs that Ottawa may be able to address. Is it possible for this to be a successful arrangement?
As we approach the NHL Draft in a week, the league’s ongoing season continues with the Edmonton Oilers remaining competitive, while the Boston Bruins have little to anticipate at the draft and are focusing more on Free Agency.
But wait! Rumors have surfaced!
Word is that Linus Ullmark would be looking for a 5 year, $35 million extension with Ottawa. Talks are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/44FHZvGaAH
— Dominic Tiano (@dominictiano) June 22, 2024
The Senators have expressed prolonged interest in Linus Ullmark, and discussions have progressed to the point of negotiating specific contract terms through the media, a strategy they believe will work in their favor.
What is the reason behind the Senators’ interest in this?
I believe the most effective way to illustrate the rationale is by displaying a screenshot from the Senators’ NHL page.
Broadly speaking, the Senators are urgently seeking what defines them as “The Sens.” While they possess skilled skaters, their compatibility with wing players is lacking. Similarly, despite having strong defenders, the impact of the weaker ones often outweighs the positive contributions. Although they display aggressive physicality, they tend to abandon each other at the first opportunity.
A glaringly obvious issue is their goaltending, and when attempting to rectify the aforementioned problems, focusing on a goaltending group that couldn’t maintain a .900 save percentage throughout the year seems like a reasonable starting point.
What are they willing to sacrifice in exchange?
Frankly, it’s difficult to identify anything apart from Tkachuk, Stutzle, and Norris that they are currently unwilling to trade, but they are likely to pursue an assertive approach. Here are some of the most apparent players (restricted free agents, with one year remaining on their contract, etc.) and assets they might contemplate parting ways with.
Seventh Pick in the Draft
Calm down: The Senators won’t trade the 7th overall pick for a goalie, especially not one who’s 30 years old.
Steve Staios is no amateur, and the Senators aren’t that desperate… well, at least, I don’t believe they are. The current market is quite limited.
On the other hand…
Pick 25 in the Draft
…They might be open to trading their second first-round pick, which comes much later and could allow the team to have a first-round selection for the first time in a while. This puts them in a position to target talents like Sacha Boisvert, Dean Letourneau, and Cole Beaudoin, all of whom are exciting players!
Jakob Chychrun – Defenseman Ah yes… The Well-Known Player.
Chychrun was acquired from the now-defunct Coyotes and has been a fairly solid offensive defenseman. There have been occasional discussions about whether the Sens should consider him or Chabot dispensable, to which I say…
