Bruins’ Trade Deadline Dilemmas: Ullmark? DeBrusk? No One?

All the while, a handful of teams desperately need goaltending help and the reigning Vezina Trophy winner is an attractive option. Among the teams scrambling are the New Jersey Devils, who The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports are seemingly in panic mode.

If Jeremy Swayman is indeed the future, as most would agree he is, then the Bruins’ would benefit from getting his extension deal done quickly. His performance this year has rightfully earned him the clear #1 spot going towards the postseason. If a move for the veteran was going to be made, it would be the greatest asset Boston had to offer to bolster the team this season.

There is, undoubtedly, a pretty big blemish to this potential thought process from Sweeney and friends. A goalie tandem of Swayman and Ullmark is practically unstoppable when they are at their best, and most teams envy this situation. A counterpoint to this? Boston had this tandem last year and they still didn’t get the job done.

Ullmark isn’t the only name fans are watching out of Boston.

Jake DeBrusk’s Contract Remains a Question the Deadline Could Answer

DeBrusk is in a down year production-wise, and his contract is up after this season. The Bruins may need to decide on him in the same sense as Ullmark: make a move now, rather than lose out for nothing. These stories aren’t a secret, either. The 2015 Draft Pick has admitted that his contract future has affected him this year. Despite his inconsistencies, he can put up strong performances. His impressive showing versus the Maple Leafs is proof of that.

DeBrusk could be a casualty of the Bruins’ need to send money out to make a deal. They don’t have picks or prospects they can afford to ship out and they don’t have the cap space needed just to buy. DeBrusk can play. He’s a forward teams would consider taking in a deal and moving his salary gives Boston options.

His move might also be a wakeup call to the rest of the Bruins’ roster. Play hard, play consistently, or find yourself on the outside looking in. DeBrusk wants to stay and if he’s dealt, the rest of the roster will have to sit up and take notice.

Should the Bruins Stand Pat and Not Move Either Ullmark or DeBrusk?

The Bruins do have a third option: stand pat. Their depth has shown promise, while consistency has been an issue all year. Providence also has numerous prospects that are worth rolling the dice on. That’s just it, though: standing pat would mean taking a gamble for the 2024 season.

The roster, as constructed, has been a leader of the entire league for the majority of the season. Is it worth it to hope that their veteran experience can right the ship and avoid another playoff embarrassment? Don Sweeney, Jim Montgomery, and everyone else in the building need to evaluate that risk and weigh these decisions over the next three days.