Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has used draft capital to try to make Stanley Cup runs in the last couple of years to acquire the likes of defenseman Hampus Lindholm and now departed forward Tyler Bertuzzi. With that in mind, the Bruins are now out of selections for the first three rounds of the upcoming NHL Draft in late June. This draft seems to be top-heavy, with the first 20 picks potentially being good value and then a pretty substantial drop-off from there. With goalie Linus Ullmark available in trade, the Bruins could potentially get back into the first round.
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Reports have emerged recently that the Bruins have been in contact with top draft prospects in preparation for the June 28 draft. Is this just due diligence on the team’s part or is there something by way of trade coming down the pipeline? The New Jersey Devils have expressed interest in Ullmark and have the tenth pick in the draft. The Ottawa Senators, who need a goaltender, have two selections at seven and Boston’s original pick, number 25. Does another team just into the Ullmark sweepstakes and cough up a high pick?
The question will be, what is Ullmark’s true trade value? Does he warrant a first-round pick, or would a larger deal need to be made with more pieces? The draft is just over two weeks away, and the rumor mill is heating up daily.
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The Bruins’ prospect pool has been near the bottom of the league for a few years now due to their success and a lack of high draft picks. With Matt Poitras, Mason Lohrei, and John Beecher now NHL players, the crop of young players is even thinner. Therefore a move back into the first round would be a smart one for Sweeney. At the end of the day, however, can and will the Bruins get it done?
