Pain Begins Monday for Boston Bruins as RFA Stalemate with Jeremy Swayman Continues
The Boston Bruins are at a crossroads as their contract standoff with restricted free agent (RFA) goaltender Jeremy Swayman enters a crucial phase. After months of unsuccessful negotiations, the clock is now ticking toward a potentially destabilizing impact on the team. With training camp and preseason over, the Bruins’ regular season is set to begin, but without one of their key players. For Boston’s front office, coaching staff, and fans, Monday looms as a day of tough decisions and potential repercussions if a deal isn’t struck soon.
Swayman, who has been a cornerstone of the Bruins’ defense since his breakout performance in 2021, remains unsigned, and his absence will likely leave a void in Boston’s net that’s difficult to fill. For Swayman, the lack of a contract means no paycheck, and for Boston, the absence of one of their most reliable goalies is a blow to their aspirations for a deep playoff run. As the regular season begins, the question for Bruins management becomes how much longer they can afford to wait on Swayman, and at what cost to the team’s competitiveness.
The Stalemate: What’s Preventing a Deal?
Swayman’s contract negotiations hit a deadlock over key financial points, with both parties remaining firm on their demands. While the 25-year-old goalie has been looking for a raise that would reflect his status as one of the league’s top young netminders, Boston’s management has been wary of committing significant salary cap space to a goaltender, particularly with other team priorities in play. Swayman is reportedly seeking a multi-year contract in the range of $4-5 million per year, a price tag that Bruins GM Don Sweeney has been reluctant to meet without adjustments that would work under the team’s tight cap situation.
The team’s reluctance is not necessarily about Swayman’s abilities. His .919 save percentage last season and the chemistry he’s developed with fellow goaltender Linus Ullmark solidified Boston’s reputation as having one of the best goalie tandems in the NHL. However, the Bruins’ financial situation—compounded by large contracts to veteran players and recent attempts to build depth in the forward lines—means they’re left with limited flexibility. Additionally, with other RFAs and future unrestricted free agents (UFAs) to consider, management has taken a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term cap stability.
The Bruins’ Goalie Depth: Can They Afford to Lose Swayman?
The Bruins’ success has largely been attributed to their “1A-1B” goalie system, in which both Swayman and Ullmark split duties, keeping each fresh throughout the season. Last year, this tandem not only helped the team reach the playoffs but also allowed Boston to rest both goalies without sacrificing quality. The system provided flexibility, allowing the Bruins to adapt their goaltending approach based on opponents, player health, and in-game dynamics. With Swayman’s situation unresolved, this tandem is now under threat, and Ullmark would bear a heavier load than in recent seasons, potentially affecting his performance and durability over the long haul.
Behind Ullmark, the Bruins’ depth in net is limited. Keith Kinkaid and Michael DiPietro, while capable backup options, lack the experience and skill level that Swayman brings. DiPietro, a former Canucks prospect, has potential but is largely untested at the NHL level, making it risky for the Bruins to lean on him if Ullmark were to face injury or fatigue.
This leaves the Bruins with a difficult choice: find a stopgap measure by bringing in an affordable backup or re-enter the negotiating table with a more generous offer for Swayman. With Monday’s start to the regular season fast approaching, the urgency of the decision is becoming palpable.
Swayman’s Leverage and Risk in Holding Out
For Swayman, holding out presents its own set of risks. Although he remains in top physical condition, the lack of game action could affect his readiness, especially if this standoff extends deeper into the season. As an RFA, Swayman’s rights are owned by the Bruins, so he has limited options outside of a contract resolution or potential trade. If negotiations continue to stall, the team might consider entertaining trade offers, though such a move could be unpopular with fans who have grown attached to Swayman’s personality and on-ice contributions.
Moreover, prolonged holdouts can impact a player’s reputation and bargaining power in future negotiations. Although fans generally support Swayman’s push for fair compensation, public sentiment could shift if the holdout extends and directly affects Boston’s competitiveness.
The Fan Perspective: Frustration and Worry
Bruins fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration over the impasse, with many pointing fingers at the front office for letting the situation drag into the regular season. With Boston still reeling from a disappointing playoff exit last season, fans see this year as a chance to redeem themselves, but without Swayman, the path to success looks much more challenging.
Some fans have criticized Sweeney’s reluctance to make cap room for Swayman, while others are sympathetic to the GM’s need to consider the team’s long-term financial health. However, the overall sentiment is that the Bruins’ front office should have anticipated Swayman’s demands and proactively worked to avoid such a disruption ahead of the regular season.
Possible Solutions: Bridging the Gap
As Monday approaches, both sides are likely feeling the pressure to come to a resolution. For Boston, offering a shorter-term bridge contract may be one option, allowing Swayman to earn a reasonable salary with the promise of revisiting his contract demands in a few years when the cap situation improves. A bridge deal could be a win-win, as it would keep Swayman in Boston without requiring the team to make significant cap sacrifices in the short term.
Alternatively, the Bruins may look to offload another contract to create the necessary room to accommodate Swayman’s desired salary. However, finding a trade partner willing to take on a significant salary is easier said than done, especially with many teams in the league similarly cap-strapped.
Final Thoughts: A Crucial Week Ahead for Boston
As Monday draws closer, the standoff between Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins is casting a shadow over the start of the season. With playoff ambitions and a loyal fan base expecting results, the Bruins are facing a difficult choice that could shape their season. Whether they choose to dig deeper into their finances or gamble on their goalie depth, the repercussions of this decision will be felt both on and off the ice.
For Bruins fans and management alike, the hope is that both sides can find common ground before Monday’s opening game. If the team is to contend for a Stanley Cup, keeping Swayman in net and maintaining the stability of the “1A-1B” system will be critical. In a league where every game matters, the stakes are high, and Boston’s path forward is anything but certain.
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