Boston Bruins Sign Goaltender Linus Ullmark

As predicted yesterday, the Boston Bruins have gone out and signed goaltender Linus Ullmark to a 4-year deal, worth $5 million AAV. Ullmark will fill out a tandem that likely includes Jeremy Swayman as his 1B. Ullmark appeared in 6 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, posting increasingly eye-catching numbers while his team consistently trended in the other direction. Ullmark, 27, will be 31 when his new contract expires.

Ullmark was posting excellent numbers on a Buffalo team that very nearly broke through to China in the process of crashing to Earth last season. While Buffalo went on a franchise record-setting 18-game losing streak, Ullmark exited the season with a 2.63 GAA and a .917sv%, putting himself right in the middle of the pack for NHL goalies. On a playoff team, Ullmark could see those stats improve even further.

For Boston, it may seem odd that the team isn't bringing back Tuukka Rask given his UFA status. However, reports indicate that Rask needed hip surgery this summer and won't be ready to play again until the New Year. If he decides he wants to stay in Boston, the door will be left open. If not, the Bruins now have Ullmark as their starter.

What do you think about an Ullmark/Swayman tandem to start off the Bruins season?

Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports