Top insider Darren Dreger delivers an update on the contract discussions between Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins
Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
As the Bruins prepare to open training camp next week, a vital part of their roster remains unsigned.
The Boston Bruins remain without a confirmed starting goaltender, as ongoing contract talks with Jeremy Swayman appear unresolved, despite recent cap space relief.
After sending Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Joonas Korpisalo and a first-round pick, the Boston Bruins opened $2 million in cap space. The expectation was that this space would help lock in Jeremy Swayman, their promising young goaltender, to a long-term deal. However, the negotiations have dragged on longer than expected.
Reports suggest that the Bruins offered Swayman a four-year, $6.2 million contract, but Swayman is holding out for a much larger deal-potentially an eight-year, $9.5 million agreement. With both sides $50 million apart, it appeared the two were in for a lengthy standoff.
However, NHL insider Darren Dreger recently reported that there may be more optimism in these talks than previously thought.
"I think Jeremy Swayman has played this out perfectly. He stayed in Boston and skated with his teammates and made sure that everyone there knew that he's committed to being the Boston Bruins' starting goaltender.
I've read some of the numbers... when you look at the resume of Jeremy Swayman, he hasn't played a ton in the National Hockey League so I think Boston is a little reluctant to give him the mega-bucks. What we know is that you can't afford to have your #1 goaltender sitting in the weeds to start the season, so I think they're going to get something done. I think the negotiations are probably closer than what we're reading about."
- Darren Dreger
I've read some of the numbers... when you look at the resume of Jeremy Swayman, he hasn't played a ton in the National Hockey League so I think Boston is a little reluctant to give him the mega-bucks. What we know is that you can't afford to have your #1 goaltender sitting in the weeds to start the season, so I think they're going to get something done. I think the negotiations are probably closer than what we're reading about."
- Darren Dreger
If the Bruins and Swayman fail to come to terms before training camp, they will be forced to rely on Joonas Korpisalo as their starting goaltender, a situation that may cause concern for Bruins fans. Korpisalo struggled during his time with Ottawa, and while the first-round pick acquired in the trade was valuable, relying on Korpisalo could be risky for Boston.
As the new season approaches, it remains to be seen if the Bruins can close this critical deal and secure their goaltending for the future.
Credit HockeyFeed:
Bruins and Swayman finally close on a new contract?}»
Bruins and Swayman finally close on a new contract?}»
| POLL | ||
11 SEPTEMBRE | 95 ANSWERS Top insider Darren Dreger delivers an update on the contract discussions between Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins Will Jeremy Swayman end up signing a full eight-year deal, in your opinion? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 42.1 % |
| No | 55 | 57.9 % |
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