Linus Ullmark could eventually leave Boston

After a dream season, the Bruins were upset in seven games by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the playoffs.

GM Don Sweeney had been very aggressive at the last trade deadline, acquiring the services of Tyler Bertuzzi and Dmitry Orlov, among others. Now that the Bruins’ season is over, several questions arise.

David Pastrnak’s enormous $11.25 million per season contract comes into play, and the payroll will be tight. Patrice Bergeron, who is likely to return, David Krejci, Dmitry Orlov, Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic, to name but a few, are still out of contract.

Is trading Linus Ullmark an option to free up money, then?

Last summer, the Bruins received a few calls inquiring about the Swede’s availability, but of course he didn’t change his address. And this has benefited the Bruins, as Ullmark has maintained his impressive statistics. He is the favorite to win the Vézina Trophy. He didn’t have a good series, but he was playing injured.

Ullmark has an annual salary of $5 million for two more seasons. His teammate, Swayman, is a restricted free agent and should receive less money. If Boston had to choose between the two, this could be the deciding factor. And it’s not as if the 24-year-old goaltender is that much inferior to Ullmark… In 37 games this season, the American has maintained an efficiency average of .920 and a goals-against average of 2.27.

Without Ullmark, I think the young man could pick up where he left off last year.

If the future Vézina winner doesn’t come along, the black and yellows will have to find another way to free up some cash. The question now: will he be the one to make the move, and if so, how much is he worth?

Could Kent Hughes be interested? After all, a goalkeeper is one of Montreal’s top priorities. It all depends on the price.

In gusto

– Beck will be keeping an eye on Mailloux.

– What’s on.

– We wish him the best of luck.