In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Boston Bruins did consider trading Linus Ullmark, but what was their motivation behind doing so now? Meanwhile, are the Edmonton Oilers already thinking about extending two of their trade deadline acquisitions? Where is Sidney Crosby’s head after the Jake Guentzel trade? Finally, how busy will the Montreal Canadiens be this summer?
Bruins Wanted to Beat the Summer Goalie Rush
Elliotte Friedman notes in his 32 Thoughts column that the Bruins did try to shop Linus Ullmark at this season’s deadline. Besides the obvious reason that they wanted to upgrade in other areas and Ullmark would have fetched the returns they needed, there was another reason to shop the goaltender now.
Friedman notes that teams are aware this offseason could see more goalies available than there is demand for them. He wrote it’s one of the reasons Jake Allen agreed to waive for the New Jersey Devils. He didn’t want to be stuck in a situation where the Canadiens didn’t keep him, but no team was looking to acquire him either. Friedman explains:
“By agreeing to move now, he won’t have to worry about finding a dance partner when there’s more supply. That’s one of the reasons Boston considered breaking up its excellent duo, because the summer market will be more crowded. A glut is great for shoppers, not sellers.”
The NHL insider thinks that an Ullmark trade could happen in the summer. He believes the Bruins looked at more than one option beyond the rumored Los Angeles Kings, including somewhere Ullmark cannot block.
Oilers Already Open to Extensions For Henrique and Carrick
Friedman also notes, “We will see how things unfold in the postseason, but Edmonton did show interest in extending both Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick.” He didn’t get into details about how far along the two sides were or if conversations have already taken place but GM Ken Holland did hint at the idea when he traded for them.
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Signing them to new deals if they prove to be good fits would certainly lessen the sting of giving up a first-round pick for them. Holland said it would be ideal to use that pick on a player with term, as he did with Mattias Ekholm last season. If one of Henrique or Carrick signs, that’s essentially how it will work out. Henrique, 34,…
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