The New Jersey Devils are on the hunt for a goaltender, and Andrew Fantucchio of Boston Hockey Now suggests they might be closing in on their target. Fantucchio believes a deal is brewing between the Devils and the Boston Bruins that could send goalie Linus Ullmark to New Jersey.
This trade makes sense for both teams, especially since the Bruins lack picks in the first three rounds of this year's draft, which is just a few weeks away.
Conditions may be right for Ullmark to head to New Jersey
Devils' GM Tom Fitzgerald has shown a willingness to trade away the No. 10 overall pick, a move that could significantly boost Boston's depleted prospect pool.
"Not only does a trade involving Ullmark and the No. 10 overall pick make too much sense for the Devils, it also does so for the Bruins. Currently holding only three picks in this year's draft and none in the first three rounds, it'd be wise for Bruins GM Don Sweeney to acquire whatever draft capital he can to restock a shallow Boston prospect pool." - Andrew Fantucchio, Boston Hockey Now
Devils are looking at Saros and Markstrom as well
While the Devils have also shown interest in Nashville Predators' netminder Juuse Saros, insider Pierre LeBrun reports that Predators GM Barry Trotz is planning to meet with Saros' agent to discuss a contract extension, which might take Saros off the table for New Jersey.
The Devils have also been linked to Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom in the past, but Ullmark's impressive stats make him a more appealing option. The Bruins' goaltender finished the regular season with a record of 22-10-7 in 39 starts, a save percentage of .915, and a 2.57 GAA.
Fitzgerald seems poised to land Ullmark if he includes his first-round pick in the offer, but he emphasized the importance of the return on Monday.
"If we feel it helps us now and in the foreseeable future, then, yes, I'm listening,» Fitzgerald told NHL.com at the scouting combine in Buffalo. «I haven't gotten anything yet, but the more I talk to teams, I say, ‘Listen, I'm open to moving No. 10, but it's going to have to be something significant.'»