**LAS VEGAS** – The trade involving 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark was disappointing for many, as the Boston Bruins dealt him to the Ottawa Senators, their division rivals, in exchange for two NHL players and a 2024 first-round draft pick.
The Bruins’ return seemed underwhelming compared to what the Calgary Flames received from the New Jersey Devils for goalie Jacob Markstrom.
Boston’s received draft pick is their original first-round pick, 25th overall. However, the concerning part of the trade was the addition of inconsistent goalie Joonas Korpisalo and fourth-liner Mark Kastelic.
Many were surprised or disappointed by the trade, but it might have another twist. According to TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun, a team has emerged as a leading candidate in the NHL trade market for Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas.
While LeBrun didn’t specify the team on TSN, he mentioned that the team has a first-round pick.
Now, the Bruins meet that criteria.
Following the conclusion of Carolina’s season, which ended with a Round Two loss to the New York Rangers, Necas’s trade request became public. His father further confirmed on social media that Necas prefers a bigger role elsewhere.
The Bruins were immediately associated with Necas.
General Manager Don Sweeney and the Bruins have been searching for top-tier talent for several seasons, a need intensified by the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci in 2023.
Necas is considered to have top-six talent, either as a winger or a center.
LeBrun also mentioned the Buffalo Sabres as another team showing significant interest.
The NHL draft’s first round will take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday, with rounds two through seven following on Saturday.
