Three teams emerge as potential trade contenders for Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman

The Boston Bruins and goalie Jeremy Swayman are still at odds over a new contract as the 2024-25 regular season approaches. Fans have speculated that Swayman might be available in a trade based on his recent remarks, but he hasn't expressed a desire to leave. "I know that I have 64 million reasons why I'd be playing right now," Bruins president Cam Neely recently stated, implying that Swayman declined an eight-year, $64 million offer.

Lewis Gross, Swayman's agent, defended his client in response to Neely's Instagram remark after some had begun to turn against Swayman. Although public remarks by agents during contract negotiations are uncommon, in this case the defense appears warranted. In the event that tensions between the parties cannot be resolved, Swayman might be a good trade fit for any of these three teams.

The Kraken have been competitive since their first season in 2021, but they haven't had much luck in the postseason. They added players to their roster in the off-season, but they lack the consistency of a team that is a championship contender, even with Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord leading the charge. Swayman's addition might propel the Kraken into the ranks of true contenders. They have enough assets-draft picks and prospects-to pull off a deal without giving up too much depth.

Swayman may be of interest to the Kings in an effort to raise their postseason standing. The Edmonton Oilers have eliminated the team in the opening round of the playoffs the past three seasons. Although they did bring in Washington's Darcy Kuemper to assist in goal, it remains to be seen if he can lead them far into the postseason. Swayman could start and Kuemper could take on a more comfortable supporting role, and that could be exactly what the Kings need to finally mount a serious postseason push.

The Canadiens may very well try to make a big splash in order to stay competitive, as the injury bug is affecting important players like Patrik Laine and their best prospect in David Reinbacher. Even though they currently have decent goaltending, Swayman's addition may indicate that they want to move from rebuilding to contender status.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Jeremy Swayman's future in Boston, the gifted goalie does have trade value. The Bruins can't afford to further damage their reputation and on-ice product by mishandling the situation, so it's likely that the situation will clear up over the coming days.