Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
The status of goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s contract talks with the Boston Bruins has been a subject of growing interest among fans and pundits this summer.
Swayman, 25, completed a one-year, arbitration-awarded $3.75-million contract. He opted against repeating the process after hearing “some things a player should never hear” during his hearing last summer.
Having taken over as the Bruins’ starting goaltender last season, Swayman is due to receive a more lucrative contract this time. NHL.com’s Dan Rosen speculated last month that it could have an average annual value of around $9 million depending on the length of the deal.
However, The Hockey News’ Michael DeRosa cited WEEI Sports Radio’s Rich Keefe reporting that Swayman is seeking much more than that. According to Keefe, the netminder wants $10 million per season.
Swayman has justification to seek a substantial raise. His .918 save percentage over the past two seasons ranks among the league leaders. In 2022-23, he and former teammate Linus Ullmark won the Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals against.
Related: Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman Poised for Significant Payday, No Matter How Long It Takes
If he’s seeking $10 million annually, it’ll make him the NHL’s second-highest-paid goaltender. He’d be tied with Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2024 Stanley Cup champion.
The Bruins have $8.64 million in cap space for 2024-25, per PuckPedia, with most of that earmarked for Swayman. His rumored asking price would force the Bruins to shed at least $1.4 million from their cap payroll, though it would have to be closer to $2 million to ensure flexibility during the season.
That may not be a suitable option for the Bruins, potentially setting the stage for a standoff that forces Swayman to miss training camp, which opens on Sept. 18.
There’s been no reaction thus far from the Bruins or the Swayman camp regarding Keefe’s report. That said, Swayman did discuss his situation on the Shut Up Marc Podcast, saying he’s educated himself on the business side, his comparables and where the salary cap will be in the future.
Bruins star goaltender Jeremy Swayman on his contract situation:
Per: @MarcLewisIsCool
“If you were to ask me that question a year ago, I would answer truthfully and say “it’s scary, it’s a lot of resentment towards people that want you to succeed. And when you’re not being… pic.twitter.com/XYzOiVkw30
— Savage (@SavageSports_) August 28, 2024
Last Thursday, Bruins president Cam Neely expressed confidence that the two sides would get a deal soon. The following day, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said he had no doubt Swayman would report to training camp.
We’ll find out over the next three weeks if that’s the case.
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News Summary:
- Jeremy Swayman's Contract Talks With the Boston Bruins Take an Interesting Turn
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