The negotiations between the Boston Bruins and restricted free-agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman seem to be hitting a snag, with reports suggesting that Swayman’s asking price might be higher than initially expected.
Recent comments from the Bruins’ management indicate that they hope to secure a contract extension for Swayman before training camp in mid-September.
However, according to WEEI Sports Radio’s Rich Keefe, the two sides are still far apart, with Swayman reportedly seeking an average annual salary of $10 million.
This steep demand could explain the current stalemate between the Bruins and the young goalie. Despite the gap in negotiations, both Team President Cam Neely and Head Coach Jim Montgomery have expressed optimism about reaching a deal soon.
If Swayman’s request is met, he would rank among the highest-paid goaltenders in the NHL, tying with Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky at $10 million per year and just behind Montreal’s Carey Price at $10.5 million.
Swayman has consistently ranked in the top five in save percentage over the past two seasons and shared the Jennings Trophy with former teammate Linus Ullmark after the 2022-23 season.
The Bruins recently traded Ullmark, acquiring goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from the Ottawa Senators, who is signed for the next four seasons.
Additionally, the team has two promising goaltenders, Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro, with their AHL affiliate, who may soon be ready for NHL action.
Despite these options, Swayman remains the Bruins’ top priority, and it appears likely that they will come to an agreement before training camp begins. Last offseason, Swayman went through arbitration, a process he openly disliked.
With four weeks left before Boston’s preseason opener, the negotiations surrounding Jeremy Swayman are expected to continue until at least the start of training camp.
