Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery wants Jeremy Swayman to focus on this element of his game in 2024-25.
Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is one of the most-talked-about players in the NHL right now. It is understandable, as he still remains a restricted free agent as we continue to inch closer to the start of training camp.
The Bruins are working hard to get Swayman officially signed to his new deal, as he is entering the 2024-25 season with a far more notable role. With Linus Ullmark being traded earlier this offseason, Swayman is now thse Bruins' clear No. 1 goalie. He has certainly earned the opportunity, given how well he has played throughout his career. Now, it is just a matter of the Bruins finally getting him signed.
While at Bruins Fan Fest this weekend, head coach Jim Montgomery weighed in on the Swayman contract talks. While doing so, he made it clear that he has a big expectation for the Anchorage, Alaska native in 2024-25. Here's what the bench boss said on the matter:
"I saw Jeremy yesterday at Ray Bourque's golf tournament. Him and I had a great conversation about leading, needing to become a leader as part of the Bruins."
With Swayman set to be the Bruins' clear starter, Montgomery understandably expects the 25-year-old to cement himself as a leader on their roster. Given his skill level and high work ethic, he has the potential to be just that.
In addition to sharing that he expects Swayman to be a more prominent leader, Montgomery briefly discussed the star netminder being without a deal.
"I don't have anything to do with the contract situation. That's not part of my job detail. My job is my connection with the players and how we're gonna be good this year. And I have no doubt Jeremy Swayman will be a Bruin at the start of camp. We'll be ready to go."
It is nice to hear that Montgomery is confident that Swayman will be signed by the time training camp is here. We will need to wait and see if that does, in fact, come to fruition from here.