Bruins: Linus Ullmark turned down a deal (and all signs point to Los Angeles)

The Boston Bruins have two excellent goalkeepers on their hands: Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. Both have an excellent relationship and are very good, but the club can’t afford to keep two goalies this good.

In terms of salary cap, it doesn’t make sense.

So, even though Boston has a big club, it was only to be expected that there would be rumours of deals being made with the team’s goalkeepers. And that’s what happened today, on the bangs of the trade deadline.

In fact, we understand that the Bruins tried to send Ullmark elsewhere, but the deal fell through.

According to Frank Seravalli, the target was the Los Angeles Kings, a club in need of some help in front of the net. The source said the two clubs had a deal on the table, but the finish line was not crossed.

Was it because the goalie’s no-trade clause weighed in the balance? Clearly, according to Kevin Weekes, that’s what’s at stake.

Wow.

Of course, it’s surprising that a player obviously didn’t want to go to LA. After all, it’s an interesting destination both on the ice and for California living.

That said, it’s important to remember that the Swede would be moving even further away from home if he went to the Kings. It’s also worth noting that the Bruins have a good team on their hands.

So it makes sense that his no-trade clause (16 teams) this year has likely been activated.

This is not the same situation as Jake Allen, who has agreed to waive it and join the Devils. That’s what Devils president Tom Fitzgerald said on the sidelines of today’s transaction.

One might think that Allen built his list to have the last word on destinations that were likely to pick him up. But obviously, he also realized that, even if he wanted to stay in town, he was too much for the Montreal Canadiens.

And that’s a credit to him.

In bursts

– If need be, the Rangers would have traded their top pick, says Chris Drury.

– Jacob Trouba out for a few weeks.

– Phil Kessel was not a fit for the Canucks.

– Ryan Johansen leaves for Lehigh Valley.