Jeremy Swayman Contract: As the Boston Bruins gear up for the 2024-2025 NHL season, there’s one key player still missing from their roster—goaltender Jeremy Swayman. With training camp just around the corner, Swayman remains a restricted free agent, and contract negotiations between him and the team have been anything but smooth. However, recent reports suggest that the two sides might finally be getting closer to a deal.
What’s the Hold-Up?
For weeks, Bruins fans have been anxiously waiting for news about Jeremy Swayman’s contract. Ryan Whitney, host of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, shared that negotiations were far from easy. According to Whitney, Swayman is looking for a deal similar to the one defenseman Charlie McAvoy signed in 2021—an eight-year contract worth $9.5 million per year.
On the other hand, the Bruins reportedly offered Swayman a four-year contract worth $6.2 million annually. The significant gap between these two offers left the negotiations at a standstill. Whitney even suggested that Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney ignored calls from Swayman and his agent for three weeks after making the initial offer, which raised concerns among fans.
Bruins Have Little Leverage
Swayman is coming off a strong season and has established himself as a key part of the Bruins’ goaltending duo, especially with Linus Ullmark possibly being traded. The Bruins don’t have much leverage in this situation, as losing Swayman or having him miss part of the season would be a huge setback for the team.
Whitney argued that the Bruins seem to be counting on Swayman to take a “nice guy” discount to stay in Boston. However, even with a discount, a contract offer closer to $8.5 to $9 million per year seems more reasonable than the $6.2 million they proposed.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the rough start to negotiations, there might be some good news for Bruins fans. According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the contract talks between Swayman and the Bruins may be closer to an agreement than originally reported. Dreger believes that Swayman has handled the situation perfectly. He has remained in Boston, skating with his teammates, and made it clear that he’s committed to being the team’s starting goaltender.
Dreger also pointed out that while Swayman hasn’t played a huge number of games in the NHL, his performance has been strong enough that the Bruins can’t afford to lose him. With the season fast approaching, Dreger feels confident that a deal will get done soon.
Will the Bruins and Swayman Reach a Deal?
The Bruins are in a tricky spot. With training camp starting soon, they need to finalize Swayman’s contract as quickly as possible. One phone call could change everything, as Dreger noted, and it seems that both sides are more willing to negotiate now.
If the Bruins don’t want to risk losing Swayman or starting the season without their top goaltender, they’ll need to offer him a contract that reflects his value. A four-year deal at $6.2 million may not be enough to keep him happy, but a slight increase in the offer could be the key to securing Swayman’s future in Boston.
Conclusion
Jeremy Swayman’s contract negotiations have been a rollercoaster for Bruins fans, but there’s reason to believe that an agreement is near. While initial reports suggested a significant gap between Swayman’s demands and the Bruins’ offer, insider information hints that the two sides might be closer than expected.
With the start of the season just weeks away, it’s crucial for the Bruins to lock in their talented goaltender. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Swayman will sign a new contract and continue to be a cornerstone of the Bruins’ success in the upcoming season. Stay tuned, as one phone call could make all the difference in these high-stakes negotiations.
