Bruins Player Refuses A Trade To The Edmonton Oilers
Trade rumors have swirled around Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark since the offseason, and these discussions have spilled into the current 2023-24 regular season.
The Edmonton Oilers, grappling with a tumultuous start to the season and a goaltending predicament, are often mentioned as a potential destination for the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. However, a closer look reveals that a trade between the Bruins and Oilers is highly improbable for several reasons.
The Oilers lack the enticing top-six center options that the Bruins would seek in a trade. While there were speculations about superstar Leon Draisaitl, it's unrealistic to expect the Oilers to part with one of the league's best players, creating a significant void in their lineup.
Beyond Draisaitl, the available options like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are not ideal first-line centers for a contender, and logistical hurdles, such as a no-movement clause, complicate potential moves.
Examining the Oilers' center options further, none stand out as compelling reasons to trade Ullmark. Young prospects like Dylan Holloway show promise but lack NHL experience, while veterans like Sam Gagner and Derek Ryan wouldn't significantly bolster the Bruins.
The absence of a standout center prospect in the Oilers' system means that the Bruins wouldn't find the needed assets for a Ullmark trade.
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Adding another layer to the complexity, Ullmark's modified no-trade clause, which now includes a 16-team no-trade list, further limits potential destinations. According to insiders, it's likely that the Oilers find themselves on Ullmark's list.
This isn't surprising, considering the trend of players excluding Canadian teams from trade possibilities. The Oilers' current struggles and the pressure for Ullmark to revive their fortunes make a move to Edmonton seem unlikely.
Moreover, the Bruins' goaltending tandem of Ullmark and Swayman has played a pivotal role in their early-season success, boasting an impressive 11-1-2 record. With the offense taking hits during the offseason, the goaltending duo, coupled with solid defense, has anchored the Bruins as one of the NHL's top teams.
Given this success, it's doubtful that the Bruins would entertain the idea of parting with Ullmark during the current season, especially when goaltending is their roster's cornerstone.
In conclusion, the likelihood of a Ullmark trade between the Bruins and Oilers this season is exceedingly low.
The Oilers lack the assets the Bruins need, Ullmark may have Edmonton on his no-trade list, and the Bruins have little incentive to disrupt their successful goaltending tandem. The Oilers will need to explore other avenues to address their goaltending challenges.
