Jeremy Swayman makes his feelings known on facing off against ex-Bruins teammate Linus Ullmark

Modified Nov 08, 2024 19:57 GMT

Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark used to man the same net for the Boston Bruins. Now they're on opposite sides and will face off when the Bruins take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Ullmark was traded to the Senators partly to allow Swayman to control the net for most of the time. Both eventually signed lucrative deals with their teams, so the division rivals and former teammates will likely match up frequently over the next few seasons.

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Swayman was asked about the matchup, and he was clear:

“It still hasn’t hit. It still feels like I got his presence around here, and the traditions that we had still live on. That’s with every guy that’s been through this locker room and the relationships that I’ve had with forwards and D-men alike — and staff. That’s a testament to the guys who’ve been through this locker room and worn this jersey. We’re brothers for life.”

The goalie said it was exciting and would be a good matchup for the two points in the standings. Swayman said that Ullmark had high character when they were on the same team and knew where to help.

Jeremy Swayman reflects on losing Linus Ullmark

Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman will oppose one Saturday night for the first time since the trade that sent the former to Ottawa. Ullmark's return, he said, will involve "a lot of emotions."

Jeremy Swayman reflected on Linus Ullmark (Imagn)

It will be a "forever memory" for the goalie, whose counterpart said via NHL of the loss of his former teammate:

“It’s one of those things you don’t realize how good it was until it’s gone. I’m so lucky to have ‘Korpi’ now. It was just such a seamless transition, our friendship and camaraderie, but it’s just like losing a brother. You create all these traditions, you create such an incredible bond, and you’ve got to find new ones."

The traditional goalie hug between the two may not happen tomorrow. Swayman didn't say if it would or wouldn't. He noted that it was like "starting fresh again" and finds himself doing some routines that he and Ullmark did together. He finished by saying he "misses him a ton."