Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo speaks on the Bruins trading away Ullmark

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
September 18, 2024 (5:10 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins made a major decision in net, as they traded Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. The Vezina Trophy winner wanted to be #1 in net, and the Bruins felt Jeremy Swayman had won the spot.

With Ullmark in Ottawa, former teammate and Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo weighed in on the topic.

I feel like in Boston just a couple of years ago, I was late to camp as well,» Carlo told THN.com's Michael Traikos at the NHL and NHL Players' Association's Player Media Tour in Las Vegas last week. «And (fellow Bruins D-man) Charlie McAvoy, he missed a couple of days of camp. Those things just kind of sort themselves out. I feel like we have a lot of faith within our organization and our management to get the right deal done.

He felt like it was best to reach out to Swayman, and would have a discussion about the topic with him.

It's obviously a balance of going back and forth, but I've had some conversations with Swayman, and he seems pretty encouraged and in a good mindset with it all. So as long as he's feeling OK mentally, that's all we really care about.»

He felt the Bruins had a special dynamic in the Ullmark-Swayman tandem, as they were unique pushing each other to do their best. It was an amazing situation for the Bruins, one likely never to be seen again.

It was pretty incredible,» Carlo said of the Ullmark and Swayman tandem. «I don't know if I've ever seen that comfort level between two guys with the aspect of just supporting each other fully. And it was really special for me being on the defensive aspect, because when one of them wasn't playing they'd be sitting right there next to us and their interaction during the TV timeouts and what-not would really like decompress me in the aspect where I wouldn't be as nervous and and I would be a little bit more calm, just because they were having fun and enjoying the process. I've learned a lot from both of them.»

He felt confident that Jeremy Swayman would be the team's starting goalie moving forward. Carlo thought that was Swayman is what the Bruins will depend upon for years to come, as the #1 netminder. He thinks he is calm and composed and ready to lead from behind.

I would say Swayman's way beyond his years,» Carlo said before offering one final compliment to both Swayman and Ullmark. «(Swayman is) very smart and very composed. And Linus as well. What a great guy to be around on and off the ice.»

Swayman could end up joining the team later than the start of training camp, but has full faith in the goalie and the team, that a deal will happen.

Source: Bruins Latest
Brandon Carlo comments on the Bruins' future without Swayman and Ullmark