Is Linus Ullmark the answer in goal for the New Jersey Devils?

David Mudrak investigates some positives and negatives of pursuing the Bruins' netminder.

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By David Mudrak (@MuddyOpinions)

The New Jersey Devils goaltending concern is the most significant issue facing the team this off-season. As such, conversations about what goaltender they should pursue and who might be available will swirl until the ink dries on a trade or contract. 

Back on April 19th, Todd highlighted Jacob Markstrom as one option. While the disgruntled Flames goalie is linked to the Devils after the team almost acquired him in a trade before the deadline, he is not the only backstopper available. 

Linus Ullmark, one-half of the fantastic tandem in Boston, could be available. After multiple excellent seasons, including a Vezina win just last season, it would not be surprising if the Devils were one out of many teams who would be interested in such a goalie. 

Let’s look at some pros and cons of trying to trade for Ullmark. 

Pros 

Ullmark’s had an impressive few years since being acquired by the Boston Bruins. In the three seasons he has played with the team, the 6’4’ Swedish goalie has averaged a .923 save percentage.

Last year, he posted a .938 on the way to winning the Vezina trophy and helping Boston beat the league record for wins and points in the regular season.

While his numbers this season have not matched those from his Vezina winning season, he has shown remarkable consistency and an extremely high ceiling. 

Some fans may worry that Ullmark’s numbers are propped up by playing on an excellent defensive team like the Bruins. While it is prudent to be concerned that the Devils may be unable to provide as safe of a situation, Ullmark’s career numbers show that it might not matter much. 

Before his move to Beantown, Ullmark was drafted by and played for the Buffalo Sabres. Ullmark averaged a .912 save percentage in three seasons playing for a team that has not made the playoffs since 2011.

Over those three seasons, Ullmark displayed growth as he went from earning a .905 in the 2018-2019 season to earning a .917 in the twenty games he played before injury in the 2020-2021 season. 

With no full-season save percentage lower than his starting year at .905, all while playing for two very different teams, Ullmark has shown himself to be a model of consistency, and it should be expected that he would be able to deliver the same level of play for the Devils if he were to come to New Jersey. 

At 30 years old and having played only 247 games, Ullmark also has a lot left in the tank. One of the most significant issues facing the Devils' long battle for a reliable goalie has been inconsistent play and injuries from older goaltenders brought in to provide experience and veteran presence.