As the Boston Bruins gear up for a new season, they face a looming challenge in securing a renewed contract for restricted free agent Jeremy Swayman. The contract dispute has already seen Swayman absent from the Bruins' training camp, raising concerns about the team's goaltending depth and readiness for the upcoming season.
The Contract Dispute
Swayman, who is expected to be the Bruins' primary starter following the offseason trade of Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, has been at the center of a contentious negotiation. Bruins' management, particularly General Manager Don Sweeney, has been under scrutiny for failing to secure Swayman's new contract before making moves in the offseason.
"I don't regret that decision one bit, in terms of the decision we made to move forward and attack some of the areas we could benefit from in the free agent market," Sweeney stated, defending the choice to trade Ullmark and focus on Swayman.
Negotiation Hurdles
The Bruins offered Swayman an eight-year deal, but the sticking point remains the average annual value. Swayman's camp, led by agent Lewis Gross, is seeking upwards of $9.5 million per season. This hefty demand contrasts sharply with Swayman's earnings last season, which stood at $3.475 million on a one-year contract awarded through arbitration.
Gross has expressed frustration over the handling of negotiations, stating, "Normally, I do not release statements or discuss negotiations through the media. However, in this case, I feel I need to defend my client. At today's press conference, $64 million was referenced. That was the first time that number was discussed in our negotiations. Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level."
Team's Stance
Cam Neely, President of the Bruins, has also weighed in on the matter without delving into the specifics of Swayman's demands. "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," Neely remarked, hinting at the financial gap that remains.
Season Opener Without Swayman
As the December 1 deadline approaches, the Bruins are set to start the season with Joonas Korpisalo between the pipes against the Florida Panthers on October 8. The decision to start Korpisalo underscores the urgency for the Bruins to resolve the Swayman contract situation swiftly.
Sweeney remains optimistic about Swayman's return but is aware of the clock ticking down. "We expect Jeremy to rejoin the team before Dec. 1," he noted, signaling confidence in reaching an agreement in time.
Looking Ahead
The Bruins' handling of this contract dispute will undoubtedly impact their performance and roster stability. Trading Ullmark and banking on Swayman without securing his contract has exposed the team to considerable risk. As fans and analysts watch closely, the pressure mounts on Bruins' management to lock down their primary starter and ensure a seamless transition into the new season.
Swayman's potential absence from training camp, and possibly the beginning of the regular season, adds a layer of complexity to a team that has charted a bold new course. Both goaltenders aiming to play 55 games each necessitated tough decisions. "We made a decision to chart a course. Both goaltenders asked to play 55 games. That's not possible if you're playing on the same team. We decided to make a decision. We were comfortable going forward with Jeremy. We knew what the likely return would be for Linus," explained Sweeney.
As negotiations continue, the outcome will shape the Bruins' path this season. With critical games ahead, the resolution of Jeremy Swayman's contract situation is the key stories to watch in the NHL.