Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman demanding huge salary on next contract

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Daniel Lucente
August 26, 2024 (6:57 PM)

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The Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman continue to be stuck in a stalemate over his next contract and now it appears he wants at least $10 million per year.

There's optimism from both Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins that they'll eventually reach an agreement, but insiders like Elliotte Friedman have hinted that the two sides are still "far apart" in negotiations.

Recent developments may shed some light on why there's still significant ground to cover. During the premiere of WEEI's new midday show, Jones & Keefe, host Rich Keefe revealed some insights into Jeremy Swayman's contract demands.

«Jeremy Swayman, looking for $10 million a year,» Keefe said. «That is the scoop that I have. He is looking for $10 million a year. That would put him with Sergei Bobrovsky and Carey Price [at the top of the goalie market].»

Keefe pointed out that, at present, only two goalies, Carey Price and Sergei Bobrovsky, carry a cap hit of $10 million or more. However, with Price essentially retired since 2022, Bobrovsky stands alone among active goaltenders in that elite pay range. It appears that Jeremy Swayman wants to join their company.

If Jeremy Swayman is seeking to join this elite group, it's understandable that GM Don Sweeney and his team are taking their time, perhaps waiting for a more reasonable number to emerge.

Jeremy Swayman is no doubt talented and only 25, but doesn't yet have the trophies that the other two goalies have earned in their careers. His career high in games played is 44, and his best finish in Vezina voting was seventh. That being said, Swayman had an impressive playoffs, leading all postseason goalies with 13.3 goals saved above expected, even though the Bruins only advanced through two rounds.

As the season approaches, both sides have plenty of reasons to expedite the process. The Bruins, having traded Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, are unlikely to want to start the season with Joonas Korpisalo as their primary goaltender. On the other hand, Jeremy Swayman, as a restricted free agent, has limited leverage unless another team steps in with an offer sheet, which we've seen just done with the Edmonton Oilers.

If the stalemate drags into the season, it's important to remember that Jeremy Swayman would need to sign a deal by December 1st to be eligible to play for the remainder of the season, or else the Bruins will not be allowed to use his services at all.

Source:
Bruins Benders Podcast on X

Source: NHL.com
Jeremy Swayman Stats