Couldn't extend Ullmark until after the draft, so there would be no guarantees

I think Boston should simply re-sign all of their UFAs and RFAs and keep the team as is.

And above all, keep Ullmark and Swayman on the Bruins together.

No…. As a fan of the team I believe they are overachieving. The great culture and strong leadership is great but you need to solidify the weaker parts of your lineup to get a cup. I don’t think the regular season team will translate to playoff hokey. I predict a 2nd round exit. Hope I’m wrong though.

Yeah you wouldn’t want to take the risk unless he promised to sign or Boston did a sign and trade.

I firmly believe signing Lindholm will not solve your problems.

Not guaranteed. But with Zacha and Pasta I think he’d shine. Back to his greatest days with Calgary.

Shinzawa just reported that a 1st may be too high of an ask for Ullmark, with 2nd+3rd being a speculated price for a pick that currently sits at 9OA, that’s one heck of a jump from a 2nd+3rd with the only add being Geekie isn’t going to be enough to bridge that value gap for a top 10 pick

He can't sign and trade until after the draft still, you can't sign until you the final year has started July 1st

I agree they are overachieving. With the overage penalties going away and the cap increase, they should still be able to bring in one upgrade on LD over Grzelcyk/Forbort and they can probably let some aging vets like JVR and Shattenkirk go, unless they are willing to take lowball offers with potentially reduced roles to stay in Boston. They also must bring in another true top 6 F, which could be a center or not.

I think that in general, the 1C that moves the needle for this team is not available in UFA. That is a guy that they will need to draft and develop. In the mean time, they are probably better off maximizing flexibility, paying for a stable of middle 6 Cs, and trying to win games by having the bottom 6 outmatch the other team's while hoping the top 6 and strong defence/goaltending can just keep them in it.

With all of that in mind, this team cannot keep Ullmark beyond next year. Whether or not they trade him depends on who they want to sign in UFA and what the return for Ullmark would be. I think a 2025 2nd+3rd would be a reasonable return, or a 2025 1st if the Bruins need to retain or bring back salary as part of the deal.

It’s an easy equation. If it’s a late 2nd and 3rd, you keep him and let him choose where he wants to go in 2026. You aren’t cap constrained next year and the goalie rotation works. It also is a one year contract that allows for long term contract health

It solves some problems, but the team has the best record in hockey over the last two years by a wide margin. I’d argue the problems are probably overstated.

To me, the real question is whether you believe that Zacha is best suited at center or left wing. If they believe he is a left wing, Lindholm makes a ton of sense especially if you believe in Lysell and his developmental potential.

The Bruins are cap constrained though lol. They’re like the league’s poster child for cap issues

They had to deal with a 4.5M overage this year from Bergeron and Krejci. Ultimately, it’s just the difference between Bertuzzi and Heinen.

Should have enough spacing to add a 7.5m player fairly easily