Bruins President Cam Neely confirms major decision after Swayman Turned down $64M offer

The Boston Bruins are in a standoff with goaltender Jeremy Swayman over a new contract, and tensions are rising. Team president Cam Neely recently claimed that the Bruins offered Swayman an eight-year, $64 million contract, which the 25-year-old goaltender rejected. This claim has sparked controversy, with Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, publicly denying the existence of such an offer and accusing Neely of misrepresentation.

The Bruins have relied on a strong goalie tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman over the past two seasons, with Ullmark winning the Vezina Trophy in 2023. However, salary cap constraints forced the team to trade Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, leaving Swayman as the presumed starter. Despite this, contract negotiations have stalled, leaving Swayman without a deal as training camp progresses.

Rumors have swirled about Swayman’s contract demands, with some insiders suggesting he’s seeking a long-term deal worth around $10 million per year, a figure that would put him among the highest-paid goaltenders in the NHL. However, the Bruins have reportedly offered closer to $6.5 million per season, leading to a significant gap in negotiations.

Neely’s press conference comments about the alleged $64 million offer have only added fuel to the fire. Gross, known for his tough negotiating style, responded swiftly, denying the offer and casting doubt on the Bruins’ version of events. This public dispute mirrors Gross’s previous negotiations, including a high-profile holdout involving William Nylander and the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018.

As the standoff continues, the Bruins are left in a precarious position, with their goaltending situation uncertain heading into the new season. Both sides will need to find common ground soon if Swayman is to return to the ice as Boston’s primary netminder.