Trade rumors around teammate makes Bruins goalie emotional

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 7: Linus Ullmark #35 and Jeremy Swayman #1 of the Boston Bruins hug after the win against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the TD Garden on March 7, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)NHLI via Getty Images

BOSTON — As they embraced after their traditional post-victory goalie hug, Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark seemed to pause together a little longer before skating off the ice following the Bruins’ 4-1 win over Toronto on Thursday at TD Garden.

Ullmark has been the subject of trade rumors over the last two weeks leading up to Friday’s NHL trade deadline. That means that hug might have been the last one the two share as Boston teammates.

Swayman, who made 28 saves, for his second win over Toronto this week, was emotional talking about the possibility of a split.

“That guy is my brother for life. He’s a huge reason we’ve had success every year. I have no doubt,” Swayman said and then paused. ”There’s not going to be any surprises hopefully. I love that guy to death. Whatever happens happens. It’s a business. I know it well. Whatever happens, happens. We’ve dealt with it over the years. I don’t even want to think about that.”

Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy last year, makes sense as a trade piece because the Bruins have few prospects or draft capital to trade and very little maneuverability under the salary cap. Because Swayman has played well enough to potentially trust as a true No. 1 goalie, moving Ullmark would fetch something in return and clear $5 million under the cap.