Negotiations between the Boston Bruins and goaltender Jeremy Swayman have been particularly challenging this summer. Although neither party chose to go through salary arbitration, the recent activity in the hockey world, including the St. Louis Blues’ offer sheets to Edmonton Oilers players, has heightened the stakes.
Despite the ongoing contract uncertainty, Swayman remains optimistic about staying with the Bruins. In a recent NESN interview, he expressed confidence in the situation, focusing on improving his performance and contributing to the team’s success. He believes that everything will resolve in due course and is excited about the upcoming season.
The Bruins have enough cap space, approximately $8.6 million, to manage Swayman’s contract, barring any unexpected offer sheets from other teams. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted that negotiations have been difficult, possibly due to Swayman’s camp overvaluing his worth.
Swayman, who has shared goaltending duties with Linus Ullmark, is expected to become the Bruins’ undisputed starter for the 2024-25 season. Projections suggest he could receive a four-year deal worth around $6.25 million annually, potentially rising to $7 million with a longer contract. Despite his potential, he has not yet proven himself at the level of top goalies like Igor Shesterkin or Andrei Vasilevskiy.
