The Bruins have offered Jeremy Swayman a contract worth $64 million, according to team president Cam Neely.
Neely didn’t specify the length of the deal, but it’s likely an eight-year agreement with an $8 million annual cap hit. “I’d have 64 million reasons why I’d be playing right now,” Neely remarked about Swayman’s absence. He also mentioned that Swayman expressed his desire to stay in Boston, which aligns with a report by Fluto Shinzawa from The Athletic.
As things stand, it looks like Swayman won’t be signed when the Bruins submit their opening-night roster next week. General manager Don Sweeney said it’s “unlikely” that Swayman will be ready for the season opener. Head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed Joonas Korpisalo will start against the Panthers on Oct. 8 after a strong camp showing .
Uncertain Future for Swayman:
Swayman has been vocal this summer about wanting to set a new standard for goalie contracts after receiving a one-year, $3.475 million deal through arbitration in 2023. Despite his stellar career stats — .919 regular-season save percentage and .922 playoff save percentage — he’s never started more than 45 games in a season.
He and Linus Ullmark were crucial for Boston’s success over recent seasons, boasting a combined .915 save percentage last year even though the team struggled with subpar possession metrics during 5-on-5 play.
Fans might think this situation is getting too complicated and stressful.
If he remains unsigned for long, Boston faces challenges with Korpisalo as their main goalie. Although they seem confident after preseason, Korpisalo had a rough 2023-24 season with Ottawa, posting just .890 save percentage and 3.27 goals against average in 50 games.
This shaky performance could cost the Bruins dearly in such a competitive Atlantic Division if it continues into the first two months of play. Remember, Swayman has until Dec. 1 to sign if he wants to play this season.
What do you think? Should they hurry up and sign him?
