Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman Feels ‘Like A Completely New Human Being’ At The Worlds After Tough Year

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - The 2024-25 season was difficult for Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman on the ice.

Throughout the 2024 off-season, Swayman was in a tense contract dispute with the Bruins. The two sides could not agree on a contract extension, and both parties exchanged public blows.

Swayman missed the entire training camp before agreeing to an eight-year, $64-million contract to remain with the Bruins.

Everything seemed like it would be OK in Boston, but that wasn't the case.

The 26-year-old's numbers took a drastic dip. Through 58 games, Swayman recorded a 22-29-7 record, 3.11 goals against average and .892 save percentage.

This was also after the Bruins traded Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, putting all faith in Swayman to handle the goaltending load.

From a team perspective, the Bruins went in a different direction. At the trade deadline, they traded multiple veteran players, including Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo and Trent Frederic.

After trading a large part of their veteran core, the Bruins plummeted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Between his individual play and the team's decline, Swayman felt the need to prove himself at the 2025 IIHF men's World Championship, so he joined Team USA in their quest for a gold medal.

"It was," Swayman said about if he decided to play at the World Championship because of his mental struggles. "I knew this was a great opportunity to play meaningful hockey. At this time of year, I wanted to prove to myself that I could play a full year of a ton of games and still hold my body together and perform at a high level. I couldn't be more honored to play for the USA, and I'm never going to say no. It's something I'm really prideful about."

We've seen a completely new side of Swayman at the World Championship. He's posted a 5-0 record and has helped lead Team USA to the semifinals, where they are set to play Team Sweden.

Playing at the World Championship has reinvigorated Swayman in a way that he used strong words to describe.

"It's an honor every time. I couldn't be happier to be at this tournament, especially based on the year I had," Swayman said. "I feel like a completely new human being and a completely new goalie. The guys in this room have been so incredible for just supporting me, and it's just been a contagious locker room of joy. I just feel like a completely new human being."

After Friday's practice, Swayman was visibly happy talking with the media and just appeared to be relaxed.

Now, we'll have to see if Swayman can help propel the USA to a gold medal victory and if this newfound confidence can carry into the 2025-26 NHL season.