The Ullmark guess seems to be as good a guess as any

1. If DeBrusk were signing for 4, he would have been signed already. Add $1.5M to $2M and it’s possible

2. Hanifin is signing in Vegas or Tampa. It appears that taxes and sunshine are more important than proximity to family. Maybe that changes, but let’s see. I would easily prioritize him over Lindholm because of age, but I’m expecting it to be Lindholm who is signed

In a year where they have cap, don’t anticipate they will go with a 21 man roster … so you can remove 800k to 1.6M from your available cap to spend

I think (with some optimism) with Ullmarks NTC being the entire western conference, Boston needing to clear cap space to sign top UFAs in this scenario, and no other big suitors in the metro (because Boston definitely won’t be selling to a team like Toronto), NJD could get a fleece on an Ullmark deal

DeBrusk at 6M seems like a lot. Not sure if i would give him that deal.

Things could change with Hanifin. We never know but Boston is 100% in the top destinations. Not the favorites but they're still in there.

Can Swayman get 6M AAV and take Hanifin to 6.75M like H.Lindholm?

How much do you think Ullmarks NTC affects his price now?

In my estimation that really only leaves NJD, maybe Carolina as buyers. (No way Boston sells him to Toronto)

Would it potentially lower the price or just makes it more likely that Boston runs it back with both of Ullmark and Swayman?

They will be in no hurry to deal him. Even with him they have a lot of cap space. They're not in the same situation as Colorado.

I don’t think it decreases his price one bit with Sweeney and our cap position. If anything, it increases the likelihood he returns to Boston.

The one variation to that is if JDB agrees to a bargain contract and Lindholm or Hanifin make it clear they want Boston.

Consider JDB is rumored to be asking for, I don’t think that’s a risk,

In this situation they are going after 2 high paid UFAs. They 100% need to clear cap space for a situation like this.

Fair. Do you think there’s a chance of Ullmark getting extended or it just means he’ll likely be walked to UFA?

Don't agree on Hanifin. He ain't signing in Vegas.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/hanifin-denies-putting-flames-in-tough-spot-with-trade-deadline-decision/



The Bruins just didn't have space at the TDL. Tampa is far from a foregone conclusion.

I think NJD will be in the Hanifin mix as well. Close and he has ties to Fitzgerald.

But when you look at the teams that are going to look for a 1A goalie this summer and this FA class, Brossoit being the best goalie. You realize that Boston could bank a lot with Ullmark. Saros being made Unavailable and Markstrom turning 35 next season clearly helps Boston.

Would Block Hughes on that LD no? Or move Sieghentaler to the 3rd pair.

Siegs to the 3rd pair. He was excellent last year but him (and Marino) have taken steps backwards this year. It’s a big factor in NJDs struggles this year. Ideally he can become what severson was on the 3rd pair (and his salary isn’t an issue at a cheap 3.4 mill).

That’s good to know. Opens up another option if we keep cap space open.

I still think it’s Lindholm based on the effort to acquire him twice at the deadline even when Hanifin was available. Time will tell



In that scenario, I assume he gets walked to free agency which would probably be the least amount of stability for him.

Part of me wonders if his team would offer a longer deal, decreased AAV with trade protection to stay in Boston. I doubt it

From what has been spouted on podcasts (would not label it as credible since I don’t even remember which podcasts since they all Melded together towards the end of the deadline), DeBrusk and Boston were ~$2M AAV apart, he was asking for term, and his agent was asking for lockout protection. Starts of negotiations are always difficult, but that is pretty far apart

Good to know and think about. As always your insight and perspective is much appreciated

Still believe NJ and Boston make the most sense with regards to an Ullmark deal. While I like Markstrom, the difference in age should be a consideration.

The PLD rumors are more credible to me than some Boston fans are hoping for, because I can see the value base on both sides if I don’t look at my natural disdain for players who have dogged it,

Ullmark turning down a deal where he’d be away from his family for months is different than in the offseason if it is accompanied with an extension that brings stability home

Appreciate the discussion

Canes will not be interested. Philly, Wash, Det all possibilities as well. Pens if they trade Jarry.

Boston simply does not have to move him. Your wishful thinking of a fleece is just not going to happen.

I’d add Detroit to that list because they have a ready made NHL prospect on defense and more picks plus being a hub for international flights. I tend to think they make as much sense as New Jersey

Detroit is on that list. Philly, Wash, Det 🤷🏻‍♂️

I'm not on the Lindholm train. Seems like CF posts are giving him way too much term for 30 year old this fall. Even at that he might declining.
Ullmark. Bruins don't have leverage with his M NTC. A first is way too much for one year of Ullmark.

Hmm I didn’t consider Detroit. I still consider them somewhat fraudulent with something like 35 goals above expectation. Maybe tho. What would they do with Husso, dump him?

Washington I don’t see buying a goalie at all.

Pitt maybe, but if they do I’d be after Jarry as NJD.

Philly does have a hole with hart gone but I expect them to stay patient (and from conversations I’ve heard with Philly fans they have a couple of guys in the wings ready to come in)

Those are all interesting to consider for sure tho.

Toronto LA

Two places on his NTC and not willing to go to

Ullmark apparently has the entire western conference on his NTC.

I just can’t see Boston trading Ullmark to a rival like that