ICYMI: Bruins confirm a negotiations huge contract deal with Jeremy Swayman done
With training camp less than a month away, the Boston Bruins have yet to sign Jeremy Swayman. Both Swayman and the Bruins’ management remain optimistic that a long-term deal will be reached, though the exact reason for the delay is unclear. Swayman shed some light on the situation during a recent podcast appearance.
“If you’d asked me that question a year ago, I would have said it was scary, with a lot of resentment toward those wanting you to succeed,” Swayman told Marc Lewis on the “Shut Up Marc” podcast. “When you’re not compensated for your efforts and what you do best, it’s nerve-wracking because you’re fighting for your family.”
Swayman has been open about the challenges of last year’s arbitration process, where he was awarded $3.475 million after initially requesting $4.8 million. While he harbors no ill feelings, he admitted it was an experience he hopes to avoid in the future.
A year later, Swayman has gained a better understanding of the negotiation process.
“This year, my response is different because I’ve educated myself on the business side of things. I now have a new mindset, understanding the business and how to approach it,” Swayman said. “I’m aware of the salary cap increase, where it’s headed, and my market comparables. I don’t want to disrupt the goalie market for those who come after me.”
According to Bruins Cap Space on X (formerly Twitter), the Bruins have $9.35 million remaining after a series of free-agent signings, including Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. Signing Swayman to his first long-term contract is the last major task for GM Don Sweeney and his team.
Swayman emerged as Boston’s top goalie during the regular season and especially in the playoffs. He played all but one game in the Bruins’ playoff run, which ended in the second round against the Florida Panthers.
Swayman ended the regular season with a 25-10-8 record, a 2.53 goals-against average, and a .916 save percentage.
With Linus Ullmark traded to the Ottawa Senators this offseason, Swayman’s workload is expected to increase in 2024-25. He has never played more than 44 games in a season but is likely to play upwards of 50, as hinted by Sweeney at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas.
Since Swayman is a restricted free agent, other teams could extend an offer sheet, though it would likely need to exceed $9 million, and Boston would have the right to match.
The Bruins begin training camp on September 18.
In another note, David Pastrnak isn’t typically known for fighting, but he didn’t hesitate to drop the gloves with Matthew Tkachuk during the Bruins’ second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers in May. The fight was brief, with Pastrnak quickly brought down, but it was a memorable moment in the series.
Tkachuk, who has a history of fighting, revealed on a recent podcast how the confrontation came about. He told Pastrnak to “tell your guys to stop being idiots, or I’m coming after you.”
“We just kept talking, and then I suggested we fight next shift. He didn’t back down,” Tkachuk said on “The Cam & Stick Podcast.” “I respect him a lot. I’m not the toughest guy, but I didn’t expect a guy like him to fight.”
Tkachuk recalled asking Pastrnak to fight immediately, and after consulting with coach Jim Montgomery, they agreed. Pastrnak and Montgomery were seen discussing it on the bench, and Montgomery later expressed pride in his player.
“There are a lot of guys out there pushing after the whistle, but Pasta and Tkachuk just fought. That’s what you want in your players,” Montgomery said after the Game 2 loss. He noted that Pastrnak’s fight was “inspiring” for the team, even though they were down five goals at the time.
The Panthers eventually eliminated the Bruins and went on to win the Stanley Cup.