The Boston Bruins’ decision to trade Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators without securing a contract extension for Jeremy Swayman is now being heavily questioned. Swayman, who shared the crease with Ullmark during the 2023 season and emerged as the team’s starter in the 2024 postseason, delivered a stellar performance with a .933 save percentage. The Bruins, banking on a smooth negotiation, traded Ullmark under the impression that they could secure Swayman’s contract without much issue.
However, the timing of Ullmark’s trade is being scrutinized as negotiations with Swayman remain unresolved. With no arbitration elected, the Bruins risk an offer sheet from other teams. Additionally, Swayman’s contract could set a precedent for other goaltenders, and questions about Boston’s cap space are surfacing.
Negotiations Have Been Ongoing
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported in early March that Swayman and Bruins’ GM Don Sweeney had started discussing Swayman’s next contract. Although Swayman confirmed the negotiations, the progress remains unclear. The arbitration process last summer was tough on Swayman, who described it as “hearing things that a player should never hear.” This experience likely influenced his expectations and flexibility in current negotiations.
The Bruins’ decision to trade Ullmark before finalizing a deal with Swayman was risky. Some argue that Boston needed to clear Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit, but without a secured deal for Swayman, the gamble was significant.
The Bruins Face a Difficult Situation
As a restricted free agent, Swayman now holds significant leverage, having proven his worth. Two years away from unrestricted free agency, he is poised to command a substantial increase from his previous salary of just under $3.5 million. The Bruins have over $8.6 million in cap space for the 2024-25 season, with Swayman being the only active roster player needing a new contract. Swayman understands his value and the Bruins’ urgency to re-sign him.
GM Don Sweeney emphasized Swayman’s importance to the team, stating on July 1, “Sway is a big part of this whole dynamic of what we’re trying to put together. It’s a priority for us. We’re going to continue to find a negotiated landing spot.” Despite Sweeney’s assertion that free agency and Swayman’s negotiations aren’t related, the reality suggests otherwise. Sweeney remarked, “We’re in a great spot to find the best-negotiated deal we can find for both sides.” However, it’s clear that the situation is more complicated, and Swayman seems prepared to leverage his position.
While a deal is expected, Swayman can either ease the process for Boston or stretch it out. Regardless, the netminder is poised for a significant pay raise.
Potential Outcomes
The options range from a long-term deal to a shorter two-year contract, with an average annual value (AAV) expected between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. An offer sheet from another team is also a potential threat, especially if it exceeds $9 million, given past frictions in negotiations.
The decision to trade Ullmark without first securing Swayman’s contract now appears to be a misstep. If the Bruins attempt to lowball Swayman and another team presents a more lucrative offer, Boston could lose a heavily invested player. At the very least, Sweeney’s approach has eliminated the potential for a team-friendly deal, giving Swayman no reason to make concessions.
For now, the Bruins and their fans wait anxiously to see how the Swayman negotiations unfold, with the hope that a favorable deal is reached soon.
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