Official Bruins Updates: Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney Addresses Jeremy Swayman’s Contract Demands…

As the offseason progresses, the Boston Bruins are grappling with a significant challenge: securing a new contract for their young goaltender, Jeremy Swayman. Despite his vital role in the team’s recent success, negotiations have hit a snag, with reports indicating that both sides remain far apart on financial terms.

At the outset of the offseason, many believed that the Bruins should lock Swayman into a long-term deal, potentially spanning six to eight years. However, recent developments suggest that the Bruins and the 24-year-old have yet to reach an agreement, raising concerns as the start of training camp approaches.

Rumors are swirling that Swayman is seeking an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million—an amount that surpasses the Bruins’ current cap space of $8.6 million. This has fueled speculation that the contract dispute might not be resolved before training camp begins on September 18, potentially leading to a holdout.

Neither Swayman nor the Bruins pursued arbitration, a choice likely influenced by Swayman’s negative experience during last summer’s arbitration process. That process culminated in a one-year, $3.475 million contract, but after his stellar performance last season, especially in the playoffs, Swayman is undoubtedly deserving of a substantial raise.

Swayman’s Value is Undeniable

From the outset, it has been clear that the Bruins must avoid repeating last year’s arbitration experience with Swayman. Arbitration can be a grueling process, as it involves both sides presenting arguments against the player’s request for a higher salary. Thankfully, this potential conflict was sidestepped.

Swayman is a cornerstone of the Bruins’ future. Alongside David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Hampus Lindholm, he represents the team’s core for years to come. The other members of this core have all been rewarded with long-term contracts carrying AAVs of $6.5 million or more, further underscoring Swayman’s importance to the organization.

Since his debut, Swayman has consistently been a top-tier goaltender for the Bruins. While no player is without flaws, his performance is on par with the best in the league. His playoff showing this year confirmed his readiness to take on the role of the Bruins’ primary goaltender, a role that should come with a significant contract.

Bruins Must Retain Swayman

The Bruins are in a position where they cannot afford to let Swayman go. In 132 career games, he has a record of 79-33-15, with a goals-against average of 2.34 and a save percentage of .919. These statistics place him among the elite goaltenders in the league, despite his relatively limited experience.

The trade of Linus Ullmark earlier this summer has only heightened the Bruins’ dependence on Swayman. With Ullmark gone, the Bruins no longer have the best goaltending tandem in the league. The uncertainty surrounding Joonas Korpisalo, who was brought in as a potential backup, adds further pressure on Swayman to carry the load this season.

For over a decade, the Bruins have relied on strong goaltending, from Tuukka Rask’s era to the recent rotation of Ullmark and Swayman. By trading Ullmark, the Bruins have put themselves in a position where they lack leverage in these negotiations and are more desperate to reach a deal before the season begins.

The Path Forward for Swayman’s Contract

One way or another, Swayman will be in net for the Bruins this season, but he has earned the right to negotiate a favorable contract. While some rumors suggest he is asking for $10 million per year, a more likely figure could be in the $8.5 to $9.5 million range, aligning him with other top goaltenders like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Connor Hellebuyck.

The Bruins’ last long-term contract for a goaltender was Tuukka Rask’s seven-year deal with a $7 million AAV, signed in 2013 when the salary cap was $64.3 million. Adjusting for the current $88 million cap, an equivalent percentage would result in a $9.5 million AAV for Swayman—a reasonable figure given his crucial role in the team’s success.

However, the Bruins’ limited cap space of $8.6 million complicates these negotiations. The front office’s failure to reserve sufficient cap space for Swayman’s contract is a significant oversight. The Bruins are likely working hard to keep his AAV below $8.5 million or to find ways to free up additional cap space.

Time is Running Out

With September fast approaching, the window to finalize Swayman’s contract is closing. While it’s not uncommon for restricted free agents to hold out during training camp, it’s far from an ideal situation for any player, including Swayman.

Swayman has proven his worth and deserves a contract that reflects his value to the team. The recent deal signed by Juuse Saros with the Nashville Predators, with an AAV of $7.74 million, might influence the negotiations, but the Bruins may still need to offer more to meet Swayman’s demands.