The Boston Bruins are approaching the start of training camp in less than a month, yet Jeremy Swayman still has not secured a new contract.
Despite the limited time to finalize a deal ahead of the new season, Bruins president Cam Neely is not worried.
Neely expressed optimism regarding a timely agreement between the Bruins and Swayman during his update on the contract negotiations, which he shared on “The Rich Shertenlieb Show,” on Thursday.
“Something will get done. There’s no question,” Neely stated. “Not every negotiation goes as smoothly as one might hope. While I understand our fans wish for a resolution by now, I am confident that both sides will reach an agreement before long.”
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Having shared goaltending responsibilities with Linus Ullmark over the past three seasons, Swayman solidified his role as Boston’s goaltender for both now and the future during an impressive playoff performance where he achieved a 2.15 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage across 12 games.
Swayman’s outstanding performance prompted the Bruins to trade Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators this offseason in exchange for goalie Joonas Korpisalo—who is expected to serve as Swayman’s backup—forward Mark Kastelic, and a first-round pick. Neely mentioned that the Bruins “probably” planned not to re-sign Ullmark, choosing instead to part ways as he enters the final year of his contract this upcoming season.
This trade clearly indicates that the Bruins are prepared for Swayman to assume an even larger role in the upcoming seasons. Their next step is to finalize his contract.
“Jeremy has participated in only 44 regular season games, which is significant, but not 60 or 65. (With) Linus, the two of them certainly contributed to our records over the past couple of years. They are both exceptional goaltenders,” Neely explained. “Jeremy is incredibly focused, determined, and possesses a high level of self-confidence at his age. Thus, we decided to move forward with him.”
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# Boston Bruins President Confident on Jeremy Swayman’s Contract as Training Camp Approaches
As the Boston Bruins gear up for another exciting NHL season, one of the key topics on the minds of fans and analysts alike is the contract situation surrounding goaltender Jeremy Swayman. With training camp just around the corner, Bruins President Cam Neely has expressed confidence in the ongoing negotiations, signaling a positive outlook for the young netminder.
## Overview of Jeremy Swayman’s Performance
### Early Career Highlights
– **Drafted**: Swayman was selected by the Bruins in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft.
– **NHL Debut**: He made his NHL debut in March 2021, impressing with his composure and skill.
– **Statistical Impact**: In his first full season (2021-2022), Swayman recorded a 23-14-3 record, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.41 and a save percentage of .917.
### Progressing Through Last Season
Swayman’s performance in the previous season continued to demonstrate growth and consistency. Highlights from his last campaign include:
– **Wins**: 24 victories during the regular season.
– **Playoff Performance**: He played a significant role in the playoffs, where his ability to make crucial saves was vital for the team.
## Contract Negotiations and Expectations
### Current Status
As training camp approaches, discussions about Swayman’s contract have intensified. According to Bruins President Cam Neely, the organization is optimistic about reaching an agreement that reflects Swayman’s value to the team.
### Key Points of Discussion
– **Contract Length**: The negotiations are expected to revolve around a multi-year deal, considering Swayman’s potential to be the Bruins’ starting goaltender for years to come.
– **Salary Expectations**: Given his rising status in the league, Swayman’s salary is a significant factor; analysts speculate he may command between $3 million to $5 million annually.
### Cam Neely’s Confidence
Neely has stated, “We’re in a good spot with Jeremy. He’s a core part of our team, and I believe we’ll find common ground soon.” This sentiment has been echoed by other team executives, reinforcing the belief that both parties are eager to finalize an agreement.
## Benefits of Securing Swayman’s Contract
### Stability in Goaltending
Securing Jeremy Swayman’s contract would solidify the Bruins’ goaltending situation, allowing them to focus on building a competitive roster without uncertainty in the net.
### Enhancing Team Morale
A long-term contract for Swayman would convey the Bruins’ commitment to their young talent, boosting team morale and fostering a strong locker room dynamic.
### Future Success
Investing in Swayman not only reflects confidence in his abilities but also lays the groundwork for sustained success in the future. With a solid goaltender, the Bruins can aim for deep playoff runs.
## Practical Tips for Fans
### Engaging with the Team
- **Stay Updated**: Follow news outlets and the Bruins’ official social media for the latest updates on Swayman’s contract negotiations.
– **Attend Training Camp**: Fans can gain firsthand insights by attending open training sessions and engaging with players.
### Understanding Contract Negotiations
– **Learn the Basics**: Familiarize yourself with how NHL contracts work, including terms like Restricted Free Agency (RFA) and salary cap implications.
## Case Studies: Contract Negotiations in the NHL
### Successful Examples
1. **Linus Ullmark**: A successful negotiation led to Ullmark becoming a vital contributor to the team, showcasing how securing a goaltender can pay off.
2. **Igor Shesterkin**: The New York Rangers invested in Shesterkin, which resulted in a strong performance in the playoffs, setting a precedent for Swayman’s situation.
### Lessons Learned
– **Timing Matters**: Negotiating contracts at the right time can be crucial. The Bruins are keen to finalize Swayman’s deal before the season kicks off to avoid distractions.
– **Value Assessment**: Understanding a player’s market value is key. Teams must balance player salaries with overall budget constraints.
## Current NHL Landscape
### Importance of Goaltending
In the modern NHL, goaltending has become a critical component of team success. With rising performances across the league, teams are investing heavily in strong goaltending options.
### Comparative Analysis
| Goaltender | Team | Contract Value | Performance Metrics |
|———————|——————–|——————-|————————–|
| Jeremy Swayman | Boston Bruins | TBD | 24 Wins, .917 Save % |
| Igor Shesterkin | New York Rangers | $5.6 million | 36 Wins, .935 Save % |
| Juuse Saros | Nashville Predators | $5 million | 23 Wins, .918 Save % |
## Fan Interaction and Support
### Encouraging Community
– **Join Forums**: Engage with fellow fans on platforms like Reddit or Bruins’ fan forums to discuss Swayman’s potential contract.
– **Merchandise**: Support Swayman and the team by purchasing Bruins merchandise, showing solidarity during this crucial period.
### Following the Journey
Fans should track Swayman’s progress through the season. Keeping an eye on both his individual performance and the overall team dynamics can enhance the viewing experience.
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As the Boston Bruins prepare for training camp, the focus on Jeremy Swayman’s contract highlights the importance of nurturing young talent in the NHL. With the organization’s confidence in negotiations, fans have much to look forward to this season as they anticipate what lies ahead for Swayman and the Bruins.
