What I hear about Linus Ullmark’s trade value pending an extension

Linus Ullmark is entering the final season of his four-year, $20 million contract. The fear of losing Ullmark, No. 2 on The athlete‘s trade big board, only to see him leave after one year, is pushing the Boston Bruins’ trade demands. An NHL general manager, granted anonymity to speak about another team’s player, said he doesn’t think the Bruins can land a 2024 first-round pick for Ullmark because of the possibility he’ll only play once a year.

Consider that two seasons of Jacob Markstrom, including a 31.25 percent annual salary lock-in with the Calgary Flames, cost the New Jersey Devils only a 2025 first-round pick and defensive back Kevin Bahl. Markstrom is 34. Ullmark is 30 and has a Vezina Trophy for 2022-23 on his mantel.

However, if the Bruins gave Ullmark permission to negotiate a contract extension before the trade, the return would be more to their liking.

Maybe Shane Pinto.

The anonymous GM identified the Ottawa Senators center as the type of player the Bruins would target if Ullmark was allowed to negotiate and secure a contract extension before the trade. Pinto, 23, scored nine goals and 27 points in 41 games during the 2023-24 season, averaging 18:06 minutes of ice time per appearance. The NHL suspended Pinto for 41 games for sports betting-related activities.

It is unknown whether Ottawa is on Ullmark’s no-trade list. Ullmark did not want to give up his protection at the March 8 trade deadline because his family had to move near the end of the season.

It is also unknown whether the Bruins have given Ullmark the green light to talk to interested parties about a new contract. Joakim Persson, Ullmark’s agent, declined to comment. General manager Don Sweeney did not respond to a request for comment. Ullmark cannot sign a new contract until July 1.

The right-shot Pinto would fill the Bruins’ need at center, complementing Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha, the latter of whom could play on the left wing if Matt Poitras recovers well from shoulder surgery.

Pinto was selected 32nd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, two spots after the Bruins selected Johnny Beecher. Pinto ranks behind Tim Stützle and Josh Norris on Ottawa’s center depth chart.

Pinto signed a one-year, $775,000 contract. He will become a restricted free agent on July 1. Pinto had hoped to have signed a contract extension with the Senators by now. The fact that he hasn’t done so could speak to his availability via trade.

Signing a center like Pinto fits Sweeney’s game plan. Zacha was 25 and ineligible when the GM traded Erik Haula to the New Jersey Devils for the left-shot center/wing. Morgan Geekie was 24 when the Bruins signed him as an unrestricted free agent after the Seattle Kraken refused to qualify the right-shot center/wing. Trading for Pinto would be the next step in Sweeney’s reshuffle at the center position following the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

Sweeney could then target a winger or a left-shot defenseman as a free agent. Jake DeBrusk is unlikely to return.

The Senators, meanwhile, are desperate for goalies. They allowed 281 goals last season, the fifth most in the NHL. Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg both had a save percentage of .890. Ullmark was at .915. Korpisalo has a contract through 2028 and will receive $4 million per year, according to CapFriendly. Forsberg has one year left and $2.75 million.

Ullmark now has fewer suitors than earlier in the offseason. Both the Devils and the Los Angeles Kings (Darcy Kuemper for Pierre-Luc Dubois) have secured their goalie upgrades.

The Bruins are under pressure to capitalize on the 2024 draft ahead of this weekend’s draft. There’s no rush if their target is an NHL player like Pinto.

The most likely way out for the Bruins is to trade Ullmark. That would allow them to declare Jeremy Swayman their clear top player. Swayman will be restricted on July 1. Brandon Bussi, who will reach RFA status the same day, would be Swayman’s replacement. The Bruins would most likely sign an inexpensive, experienced goalie as a free agent.

Allowing Persson to negotiate a pre-transaction contract for his client complicates the deal. Ullmark’s next contract will likely be his last chance at a long-term, big win. Connor Hellebuyck, 31, begins a seven-year, $59.5 million contract in 2024-25. Ullmark could have an average annual value of $8 million.

The cost of Ullmark’s next contract is not a concern for the Bruins, who would simply like to reach an agreement if it makes a trade easier.

(Photo: Rich Gagnon / Getty Images)