Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins are nowhere near agreeing on a contract, which means the superstar goaltender could possibly miss the season.
The Boston Bruins have had a chaotic off-season, filled with surprises and drama continuing to unfold. Perhaps the biggest surprise included the dealing of fan-favorite goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators for what many would feel was underwhelming value coming back in return. The team has made some key additions to the roster, though, including acquiring center Elias Lindholm to add to their core of forwards and acquiring physical defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who can make an impact on the blue line.
Despite all these moves, the biggest storyline remains the contract negotiations that have not been resolved with superstar goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Tensions have increased as reports come in that an agreement is still far from being reached. According to former NHL player Ryan Whitney, and discussing the matter on the popular 'Spittin' Chiclets' podcast, the Bruins' latest offer to Swayman was a four-year deal worth $6.2 million annually (AAV). Given that this has been considered by many to be well below market value, eyebrows have been raised considering Swayman's potential and how well he performed, as one of the league's top young goalies.
Adding fuel to the fire, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman did chime in to confirm Ryan Whitney's report. Friedman added that Jeremy Swayman is seeking around $10 million AAV. Alternatively, the 25-year-old at the very least might be looking at something akin to teammate Charlie McAvoy's eight-year pact worth $9.5 million annually.
This wide discrepancy in contract negotiations when factoring in years and term leads to some real questions if a deal would get done in time for the start of the season.
With just over a month left until the beginning of the regular season, the pressure is on the Bruins to meet Jeremy Swayman in the middle. With the trade of Linus Ullmark, this is a tenuous situation in goal, and Swayman will be counted on heavily if the team wants any realistic hopes of maintaining competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
Speaking of which, the deadline is looming, and no doubt the fans and analysts are holding their collective breaths anxiously awaiting an update. After all, this particular contract negotiation may have far-reaching implications regarding the ultimate success or failure of the Bruins this season.
Jeremy Swayman was a fourth-round draft pick by the Boston Bruins in 2017 and has managed to play in 132 games for the franchise. He has a lovely 79-33-15 record with a 2.34 career GAA and a very strong .919 save percentage.
