As training camp approaches, the Boston Bruins are grappling with an unresolved contract situation for
their star goaltender, Jeremy Swayman. General manager Don Sweeney confirmed that Swayman will
not attend the Bruins’ first practice session, set for Thursday, until a new deal is finalized. Sweeney
expressed his disappointment over the ongoing negotiations, highlighting that he had hoped to prioritize
securing a contract for Swayman.
The Bruins are committed to reaching a long-term agreement with Swayman, who played the previous
season on a $3.5 million contract and is currently a restricted free agent. After a standout performance
that placed him among the top 10 goaltenders in the NHL, Swayman is looking for a deal that reflects his
value. Last season, he achieved an impressive .916 save percentage, tying him for the third-best among
goalies with at least 40 starts.
While Sweeney refrained from discussing specific details about the negotiations, he remained optimistic
that a resolution would be found before December 1. Should Swayman fail to sign by that date, he would
be ineligible to compete for the remainder of the season. “I’m disappointed, but I believe we will find
common ground before the deadline,” Sweeney stated, underscoring the importance of Swayman’s
presence for the team’s success.
The urgency to finalize Swayman’s contract is magnified by the Bruins’ offseason decision to trade
Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. With backup Joonas Korpisalo coming off
a subpar season and third-string goalie Brandon Bussi yet to make his NHL debut, the Bruins need
Swayman on the ice. Sweeney acknowledged that every day without Swayman impacts both the team
and the player himself.
With the Bruins’ first preseason game scheduled against the New York Rangers and the regular season
starting on October 8 against the Florida Panthers, the clock is ticking. Sweeney’s hopes are pinned on
reaching a deal that ensures Swayman’s return to the lineup, recognizing that his skills will be critical to
the Bruins’ performance this season.
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