Insider Reveals Possible Reason Behind Bruins-Jeremy Swayman Contract Stalemate
As the Boston Bruins enter the 2024 season following a record-breaking regular season in 2023, one question continues to loom over the franchise: What is behind the contract stalemate between the Bruins and rising star goaltender Jeremy Swayman? According to insiders, a combination of financial uncertainty, shifting priorities, and differing perspectives on Swayman’s long-term role have contributed to the impasse.
Swayman, 25, has been a pivotal figure in Boston’s resurgence in recent years, forming one half of the NHL’s top goaltending tandem alongside Linus Ullmark. With Ullmark winning the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender in 2023, Swayman quietly emerged as one of the most promising young netminders in the NHL, providing stability and reliability. However, as contract negotiations have dragged on, tensions have reportedly risen between Swayman’s camp and Bruins management, leaving fans and analysts wondering what is holding up the deal.
The Bruins’ Salary Cap Squeeze
At the heart of the stalemate is the Bruins’ salary cap situation. Coming off a historic regular season, the Bruins find themselves in a tough financial position. Key veterans such as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have retired, and while those exits freed up some cap space, the team still faces challenges in locking up core players while adhering to the NHL’s hard cap.
Swayman, who earned $3.475 million last season after signing a one-year contract, is due for a significant pay raise following his stellar performance. With a .920 save percentage and a 24-7-4 record, the Anchorage, Alaska native has proven his worth as a starting-caliber goalie, even in a shared role with Ullmark. Insiders suggest Swayman’s camp is pushing for a contract north of $5 million per season over multiple years, aligning his salary with other young goaltenders of his caliber.
However, the Bruins are operating with limited flexibility. With Ullmark already under contract at $5 million per year through the 2025 season, the team may be hesitant to invest heavily in two goaltenders when they still need to address other roster needs, including bolstering the center position and securing additional depth on defense. Given that goaltenders like Swayman typically develop a little later than skaters, Boston may be trying to balance Swayman’s future potential with the realities of the salary cap.
Long-Term Role Uncertainty
Another factor contributing to the stalemate is the potential uncertainty over Swayman’s long-term role in Boston. While Ullmark has been the Bruins’ clear No. 1 starter, Swayman’s emergence has led to speculation about the team’s goaltending future. Some insiders believe that Swayman’s camp is seeking clarity on his position within the organization.
There’s been talk that Swayman could eventually take over as the team’s full-time starter, especially as Ullmark’s contract enters its final years. However, as long as both goaltenders are sharing duties, the Bruins may be reluctant to commit starter-level money to Swayman without a clear path to him becoming the undisputed No. 1.
From Swayman’s perspective, being a backup or 1B goaltender might not justify the financial terms he is seeking, especially if there are other teams in the NHL that would be willing to give him a more prominent role.
Bruins’ Internal Philosophy and Team Structure
One insider pointed out that the Bruins have long prioritized team-friendly deals and a balanced roster, especially during the salary cap era. Under General Manager Don Sweeney, the team has been known for its prudent contracts, sometimes leading to hardball negotiations. This team philosophy, combined with a sense of long-term stability, has kept the Bruins competitive, but it also means they are unlikely to overpay or cave to individual demands, no matter how promising a player might be.
Bruins’ brass may be weighing the possibility of trading Swayman if a deal can’t be reached, potentially packaging him for much-needed assets elsewhere. While that scenario remains speculative, insiders believe the Bruins would prefer to avoid such a drastic move and continue negotiations.
Conclusion
As the Bruins look to build on their success and sustain their competitive window, resolving the contract situation with Jeremy Swayman will be critical. The young goaltender’s future is uncertain, but insiders suggest the stalemate revolves around more than just money. Boston’s salary cap constraints, long-term goaltending plans, and a philosophical approach to contract negotiations all appear to be factors in the ongoing discussions.
For now, Bruins fans can only hope that both sides find a compromise, keeping one of the league’s most promising young goaltenders in black and gold for years to come. Until then, the tension between Swayman and the Bruins will remain a major storyline as the 2024 season unfolds.
