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Jeremy Swayman’s contract standoff with the Boston Bruins shows no sign of abating. The 25-year-old goaltender seeks a lucrative long-term contract after completing a one-year, $3.475-million deal.
Bruins president Cam Neely dropped a strong hint to reporters on Monday of how much his club is offering the Swayman camp.
“I don’t want to get into the weeds with what his ask is, but I know that I have 64-million reasons why I’d be playing right now,” said Neely.
That suggests the Bruins have offered Swayman an average annual value of $8 million on a maximum term of eight years. That’s considerably higher than the rumored $6.2 million to $6.4 million they proposed during the summer.
That would also give Swayman the sixth-highest cap hit among NHL goaltenders, behind Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets ($8.5 million) and the New York Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin ($8.25 million).
Related: Bruins Give Update On Swayman Negotiations: ‘I Have 64-Million Reasons Why I’d Be Playing Right Now’
Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, quickly replied, claiming that was the first time $64 million had been referenced, adding it was never discussed before Monday’s press conference. Gross also indicated he and his client would take a few days to discuss the situation and determine their next move.
The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau believes the Bruins’ front office is holding a hard line on Swayman. However, he suggests they could be playing with fire, leading to a parting of the ways between the two sides at some point, even if they agree to a new contract.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted he’d heard rumors of a possible trade about two weeks ago. He indicated the Bruins wouldn’t comment, but it was clear that they were telling teams they intended to sign Swayman. However, Friedman thinks trade speculation ramped up following Neely’s comments, suggesting the Swayman camp could be considering it.
Before Monday’s press conference, The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa dismissed any suggestion the Bruins might wash their hands of Swayman and put him on the trade block. He pointed out the young netminder’s long-term importance to the club as their starting goaltender. Shinzawa also believes the Bruins would set a very high asking price, plus the acquiring club would still have to sign him.
Both sides are taking a brief timeout as Swayman and his representatives consider their options, according to Friedman. The Bruins have made their position very clear, bringing this standoff to a crossroads that will determine Swayman’s future in Boston.
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News Summary:
- NHL Rumor Roundup: Swayman's Negotiations With Bruins Reaches Its Crossroads Moment
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.