Announcement: Jeremy Swayman all smiles as Boston Bruins agree deal to meet contract demands

Is Jeremy Swayman a legitimate $10 million-per-year player for Bruins?

” I understand the cap is going up and where it will be in years.”

The 25-year-old goalie is well aware of his value, and he’s not necessarily looking to take a hometown discount.

The pay bump that Swayman is expected to net on his deal remains the murkiest part of his eventual deal with the Bruins. Swayman is set to secure a nice bump from the $3.475 million he commanded last season.

When asked about how he’s negotiating through what should be the first long-term contract of his pro career, Swayman was candid about how his mindset has shifted since going through a contentious arbitration process with Boston last summer.

“If you were to ask me that same question a year ago, I would answer truthfully,” Swayman told host Marc Lewis. ” And I would say, ‘It’s scary. It’s a lot of resentment towards people that want you to succeed.’ And when you’re not being compensated for your endless efforts and doing what you do best, it’s a nerve-wracking feeling because it’s your family that you’re fighting for.

Swayman Still Deserves Whatever He Wants

The Bruins have relied on the strength of their goaltending for over a decade, going from the years of Tuukka Rask to the rotation of Ullmark and Swayman the last two seasons that was truly the strongest part of the roster.

Swayman’s journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. Drafted 111th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Alaskan native wasn’t initially seen as a surefire bet to become the Bruins’ future in goal. However, his work ethic, calm demeanor, and consistent performances quickly changed that narrative. After honing his skills at the University of Maine, where he won the Mike Richter Award as the nation’s top goaltender, Swayman made his NHL debut in April 2021. He quickly turned heads with his poised play, posting a remarkable .945 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average in his first 10 games.

In a lot of ways, the Bruins shot themselves in the foot going into this negotiation by trading Ullmark earlier this summer. Swayman shares the same agent as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander, who famously had the longest hold out in salary capers history back in the 2018-19 season. Without Ullmark, the Bruins really don’t have any leverage and are going to be much more desperate to solve this before the regular season starts.

With the uncertainty with Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi, who is the Bruins’ top goaltender in the American Hockey League but has no NHL experience, the Bruins really need him to be ready to go for the start of the season. Playing without him for any length of time could really threaten how the team performs in 2024-25. Yes, they managed to address other areas of weakness this offseason, but good goaltending is still essential to the DNA of this roster.

These performances solidified his place within the Bruins organization and set the stage for his recent contract negotiations. As the Bruins faced uncertainty in their goaltending situation, especially with the aging Tuukka Rask retiring, Swayman stepped up as a reliable option. His chemistry with fellow goaltender Linus Ullmark, who won the 2023 Vezina Trophy, has given the Bruins one of the most formidable goaltending tandems in the league. Together, they helped lead Boston to a historic regular season in 2022-23, setting NHL records for wins and points.

Swayman’s Contract

One way or another, Swayman will be in net this season for the Bruins, but he’s earned the right to get himself a good contract. At the end of the day, this is a business and hockey players only have so many years to profit on this. I don’t think he’s asking for $10 million a year like the rumors have been saying, but if he’s aiming in the $8.5 million to $9.5 million range, putting him on par with other top goaltenders like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Connor Hellebuyck, that isn’t an unreasonable number, especially in light of salary cap increases since those guys signed their contracts.

The $10 million contract extension, reportedly structured over three years, represents a significant investment in Swayman’s abilities and potential. This deal is a reflection of both his current value to the team and the confidence the Bruins have in his future. The extension ensures that Swayman will remain a key piece of Boston’s defensive strategy, providing stability and security in a position that is crucial for any team with championship aspirations.

For Swayman, the contract is not just a financial reward but also an affirmation of his place within the Bruins’ core. At just 25 years old, he has already shown maturity beyond his years, both on and off the ice. His positive attitude, combined with his technical skills, makes him a favorite among teammates and fans alike. The smile that has been a trademark of his demeanor now shines even brighter, knowing that his hard work and dedication have been recognized and rewarded by the team.

From the Bruins’ perspective, securing Swayman is a move that aligns with their long-term goals. In a league where goaltending can often make or break a season, having a reliable and talented player like Swayman under contract provides peace of mind. The Bruins’ front office, led by General Manager Don Sweeney, has made it clear that they view Swayman as an integral part of their future plans. This extension allows them to focus on other areas of the roster, knowing that their goaltending situation is in good hands.

As the new season approaches, Swayman will look to continue building on his success. The Bruins, with their eyes set on a deep playoff run, will rely on his steady presence in goal to navigate the challenges of a long NHL season. For Swayman, the journey is just beginning, and with a $10 million contract in hand, he’s all smiles as he looks to the future with the Boston Bruins.