As dialed in as NHLers are during the grind of an 82-game season, they’re not immune to the trade whispers and rumors that hover over teams every February and March.

And with Ullmark’s name mentioned as a viable trade asset for a Bruins team still assessing the state of its roster, Swayman reflected on what could been the final goalie hug with his friend and teammate. 

“I mean, that guy is my brother for life and he’s a huge reason why we’ve had success every year,” Swayman said postgame. “I have no doubt that 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 just as well. Whatever happens, happens. We’ve dealt with it over the years. I mean, I don’t even want to think about that.”

In an ideal scenario, the Bruins move forward with both Swayman and Ullmark in place for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After changing the script (leading to disastrous results) during last year’s first-round exit, Jim Montgomery and the Bruins have reaffirmed their commitment to keep said goalie rotation in place this spring. 

But with Boston short on both appealing trade assets and cap space, a No. 1 netminder like Ullmark might stand as one the few avenues available for Boston if Don Sweeney and his staff want to augment this roster.

And with Swayman reportedly talking about a contract extension with the Bruins, Boston very well could be forced to move Ullmark this offseason — especially if an expected pay bump from Swayman suddenly means that the team is allocating $11-12 million to the goalie position in 2024-25 and beyond. 

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun noted earlier this week that the New Jersey Devils could be a potential suitor for Ullmark — especially if they aren’t able to land rumored trade target Jacob Markstrom in a deal with Calgary.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared a similar thought during his “32 Thoughts” column posted on Monday in regards to the luxury that Boston currently has between the pipes. 

“The phrase ‘hockey deals’ has been thrown around with the Bruins. They don’t have much high-end draft capital, but they do have players,” Friedman wrote. “So it makes sense that if they’re going to make changes, it will involve their NHL roster or those close to it. The reason you’re hearing Linus Ullmark’s name is the calendar will force Boston to make a decision. They’ve begun discussing an extension with Jeremy Swayman and Brandon Bussi soon requires waivers. Something’s going to have to give.

“Like several other teams considering moving a goalie, the Bruins have to decide when is the optimal time to do it. All of a sudden, Fleury and Saros are off the market, and Markstrom’s future is uncertain. So, if someone craves a netminder now, Boston’s in a position to deliver.”

On Thursday, Brad Marchand acknowledged that this time on the NHL calendar can weigh on a dressing room.

“We just have to control what we can control, stay in the moment,” Marchand said. “It definitely is nerve-racking coming close to the deadline and the uncertainty of it. But I think the easiest way to go about that is to just come in and focus on doing your job every day and performing at your best and trying to keep your mind off things that are out of your control.

“At the end of the day, things are going to play out a certain way and just have to be grateful regardless of how it plays out, grateful for the opportunity to be in this league and be an NHL player.”

The NHL trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon.