Announcement: Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman Close In “Sizeable Gap” In Contract Negotiations, Bruins Fans Should Feel Fortunate GM Sweeney Is On The Case

According to Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli, appearing on SN960 The FAN’s Big Show, the situation isn’t as bad as other insiders reported of late, as he believes there is a close gap between both sides.

The Contract Saga

“I think (Swayman) was somewhere in the mid-8s (million per year) earlier this summer and I think the Bruins were in the low 6s,” Seravalli said. “I think that’s a pretty sizeable gap that hasn’t been bridged yet.”

Seravalli speculated on Swayman’s salary demand, quoting it at around $8 million AAV compared to the reported demand of $10 million AAV that popped up before Seravalli shared his intel.

This disconnect has made it difficult for both sides to come to an agreement, despite the Bruins’ clear need to lock in Swayman following the trade of Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators.

The Importance of Swayman

“With the trade of Linus Ullmark, it’s obvious that Swayman is such a big part of what the Bruins’ future looks like and the stability of their core because the goaltending has been the backbone of that team,” Seravalli said.

“But if you have a philosophical difference on what you think your goaltender should make,” Seravalli continued, “and if you thought that with the numbers he’s posted that he was going to be in that range, I can understand why there’s been a disconnect there.”

Entering September, the Bruins have $8.6 million in cap space, which should be enough to sign Swayman to an extension whether that’s for the long- or short-term in a bridge-type deal.

GM Don Sweeney’s Role

Boston Bruins fans are dealing with a little bit of angst at the moment, and it’s certainly justified.

Last season, they had Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman in net as arguably the NHL’s top tandem.

Now, one of them is on another team, and the other isn’t under contract with training camp approaching.

Indeed, the uncertain status of RFA star goalie Jeremy Swayman remains a key concern for the Bruins.

But while worries abound regarding Swayman’s future, the fact GM Don Sweeney is handling it should be a comfort to B’s fans. Sweeney has a solid history of being a problem-solver, so we expect he’ll find a way to make the Swayman situation work out for the best.

But while worries abound regarding Swayman’s future, the fact GM Don Sweeney is handling it should be a comfort to B’s fans. Sweeney has a solid history of being a problem-solver, so we expect he’ll find a way to make the Swayman situation work out for the best.

For instance, last season, Sweeney put together a team that missed veteran star centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, steering them to a second-round appearance. He then brought in Elias Lindholm to fill that hole. Sweeney has also engineered the Bruins to the playoffs in all nine seasons at the helm, including five second-round appearances.

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.