DEAL DONE: Boston Bruins confirm another crucial swap sign deal done now
Jeremy Swayman remains unsigned for the upcoming season. The Bruins initiated contract discussions by trading Linus Ullmark to the Senators, signaling their commitment to Swayman as their top goaltender. However, they still need to agree on his salary. The challenge lies in Swayman’s reportedly steep demands. According to Rich Keefe, host of Boston’s WEEI 97.3, the American goalie is seeking a contract worth $10 million per season.
Scoops Keefe is led to believe that Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is asking for $10 Million per year pic.twitter.com/6VVzq9pwQj
— Jones & Keefe (@JonesandKeefe) August 26, 2024
A $10 million contract is a significant amount. If Swayman’s request is granted, he would become the NHL’s second-highest-paid goaltender, tied with Sergei Bobrovsky, with only Carey Price earning more at $10.5 million per season.
When comparing other NHL goaltender contracts, it’s reasonable to argue that Swayman should at least earn more than the Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin, who makes $8.25 million annually. However, Connor Hellebuyck, who signed an $8.5 million per season contract in October 2023, had a better season than Swayman. While it’s true that the salary cap is rising, Swayman might not have proven himself worthy of being the NHL’s top-paid goaltender just yet.
Swayman finished seventh in the Vézina Trophy voting last season, suggesting he may not yet be at the level required to command such a high salary.
If Swayman is seeking a contract of this magnitude, he could consider signing a bridge contract for less money and then negotiate a more lucrative deal if his performance improves in the coming years. The challenge for the Bruins, however, is that offering a bridge contract could be risky, as Swayman would reach full autonomy in two years.
This dilemma could make the Bruins hesitate in these negotiations. Swayman remains an outstanding goaltender among the NHL’s elite, and it would be surprising if the Bruins were to walk away over a few million dollars.
Nick Suzuki & Chantal Machabée in a new Tim Hortons commercial en français.
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 26, 2024
– Impressive.
Lane Hutson a battu le record du plus long coup de départ!!
Lane Hutson broke the record for the longest drive!!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/2rhrQuEuCP
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 26, 2024