MAJOR: Linus Ullmark Reportedly Rejects Blockbuster Trade

Kevin Weekes reported on ESPN that there was almost a trade involving Linus Ullmark leaving the Boston Bruins last Friday. The Bruins believed they had a deal in the works for their goalie, but Ullmark apparently turned it down, mainly due to geographical reasons.

Insider Frank Seravalli also reported that Ullmark turned down a trade that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Kings.

There was speculation earlier in the week by Bruins insider Fluto Shinzawa that the team might trade Ullmark, especially with Jeremy Swayman showing promise as a potential full-time starter.

Swayman signed a one-year contract last summer and is set for restricted free agency in July. If he becomes the starter, the Bruins could seek a cheaper veteran backup. Trading Ullmark would have freed up cap space for the Bruins to improve other areas of their roster.

Despite the near-trade, the Bruins were active on Deadline Day, acquiring defenseman Andrew Peeke from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jakub Zboril and adding veteran forward Pat Maroon from the Minnesota Wild. General manager Don Sweeney had a busy day, but it could have been even busier if the Ullmark trade had gone through.