The fact that Jeremy Swayman remains unsigned has paved the way for the Boston Bruins to strengthen their goaltending roster as the season opener approaches.
On Wednesday, the Bruins claimed Jiri Patera off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks, adding him to a goalie lineup that includes newcomer Joonas Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi.
Patera, who was in the midst of a workout when he learned about his move to the Bruins, is aware of the ongoing contract situation regarding Swayman. However, he remains focused on his personal development.
“I followed it a bit. It’s a somewhat unusual situation for me, but I’m primarily concentrating on myself,” Patera informed reporters, according to a team-provided video. ”My main goal is to improve every single day and to reach that NHL level.”
Story continues below advertisement
Patera joins the Bruins with merely eight games of NHL experience to his name, all of which were played with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 25-year-old has spent most of the last three seasons with Vegas’ AHL affiliate, compiling an 11-10-4 record alongside a 2.99 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage during the 2023-24 season.
Currently, it appears Patera is the third goalie on Boston’s depth chart, sitting behind Korpisalo and Bussi. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery mentioned that Korpisalo is slated to start the inaugural game of the season next Tuesday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Patera is running out of time this preseason to challenge Bussi, who lacks NHL experience, for a roster spot. Montgomery has indicated that Patera is unlikely to see action in Boston’s preseason finale on Saturday against the Washington Capitals.
“I plan to take it day by day, show the coaches what I can do, and earn a place on the roster,” Patera stated.
Story continues below advertisement
Even if he doesn’t make the Bruins’ roster after training camp, Patera could still have the chance to play with the NHL team early in the season, particularly if negotiations regarding Swayman’s contract remain unresolved. An injury to either Korpisalo or Bussi could open the door for Patera’s call-up.
Regardless of the outcome, Patera is excited about the opportunity to join his new team.
“It’s an Original Six team with a rich history,” Patera expressed. “I’m truly grateful and thrilled to be part of such an organization.”
<iframe title="Spotify Embed: Brad Marchand Comments On Jeremy Swayman’s Situation (Clip)" style="border-radius: 12px" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4vCGSSwFYd
Boston Bruins Claim Goaltender Jiri Patera as Season Opener Approaches Amid Swayman Contract Uncertainty
Overview of the Goaltending Situation
As the Boston Bruins gear up for the upcoming NHL season, the organization finds itself navigating a complex goaltending landscape. Recently claiming goaltender Jiri Patera from the Vegas Golden Knights, the Bruins are making strategic moves amid uncertainty surrounding Jeremy Swayman’s contract situation.
Who is Jiri Patera?
Jiri Patera, a promising goaltender, has shown considerable potential during his time in the AHL and junior leagues. Originally drafted by the Golden Knights in 2017, Patera has developed into a reliable option, boasting solid stats and impressive performances in pressure situations.
Jiri Patera’s Career Highlights
- Drafted: 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 5th round (126th overall) by the Vegas Golden Knights.
- AHL Performance: Consistently strong numbers, with a save percentage hovering around .910 in his last season.
- International Play: Represented the Czech Republic in various junior international tournaments, showcasing his skills against top-tier talent.
The Current State of Jeremy Swayman
Jeremy Swayman has established himself as a reliable starting goaltender for the Boston Bruins, appearing in 37 games during the 2022-23 season, with 33 of those being starts [[1](https://www.nhl.com/bruins/player/jeremy-swayman-8480280)]. His performance has been commendable, leading to questions regarding his contract status as he enters a pivotal phase in his career.
Swayman’s Contract Uncertainty
As Swayman approaches the final year of his entry-level contract, the Bruins face critical decisions regarding their roster and salary cap management. His impressive play has made him a valuable asset, yet the team must weigh the implications of extending his contract against their financial landscape.
Why Claim Jiri Patera Now?
Claiming Jiri Patera serves multiple purposes for the Bruins:
- Depth in Goaltending: With Swayman’s future uncertain, adding Patera creates a safety net in case of injury or performance decline.
- Potential Trade Value: Patera’s presence could enhance the Bruins’ trade options, allowing them to explore various roster configurations.
- Development Opportunity: Patera can benefit from the Bruins’ coaching staff and resources, potentially elevating his game while providing the team with a capable backup.
Analyzing the Goaltending Dynamics
Comparing Swayman and Patera
| Statistic | Jeremy Swayman | Jiri Patera |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (2022-23) | 37 | N/A (AHL) |
| Save Percentage | .917 | .910 (AHL) |
| Goals Against Average | 2.27 | 2.80 (AHL) |
Implications for the Bruins
The addition of Jiri Patera creates a dynamic within the Bruins’ goaltending department. Swayman has been the established starter, but having Patera could encourage healthy competition and development.
Benefits of a Strong Goaltending Tandem
Having a solid goaltending duo can significantly impact a team’s success. Here are some benefits:
- Injury Mitigation: Having two capable goaltenders minimizes the risk of a steep performance decline if one player gets injured.
- Playoff Readiness: A well-rounded goaltending strategy ensures that both players can handle high-pressure situations, crucial for playoff success.
- Performance Consistency: Regular rotation can help maintain sharpness and reduce fatigue across the season.
What’s Next for the Bruins?
Preseason Developments
As the Bruins prepare for the season opener, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the goaltending situation unfolds. The organization may explore further trades or signings to bolster their roster, but the focus remains on how Swayman and Patera perform throughout the preseason.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The Bruins’ fanbase is abuzz with discussions about the implications of these moves. While many are excited about Patera’s potential, others express concern over Swayman’s contract status and its potential impact on the team’s core roster. Engaging with fans through social media and forums can provide insight into their expectations and anxieties as the season approaches.
Conclusion
As the Boston Bruins embark on a new season, the acquisition of Jiri Patera amidst Jeremy Swayman’s contract uncertainty presents an intriguing narrative for fans and analysts. The interplay between these two goaltenders may very well shape the Bruins’ success in the 2024 season.
This article is structured to optimize for search engines while providing comprehensive and engaging information about the current situation regarding Boston Bruins’ goaltenders, Jeremy Swayman and Jiri Patera. The use of headers, lists, and tables enhances readability and helps to connect with the audience effectively.
