The Boston Bruins and starting goaltender Jeremy Swayman remain at an impasse in contract negotiations, according to recent updates from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Appearing on NHL Network on September 4, Friedman reported that both sides are still significantly apart in their valuation of Swayman as the start of training camp looms.
Despite the mounting pressure of the approaching training camp, Friedman downplayed concerns about a prolonged holdout. He acknowledged that such situations are not uncommon as teams and players often use the pre-season period to finalize agreements. “I’m not surprised,” Friedman said. “There’s always something that goes on at this time of year, and to be honest, there’s still time.”
Recent speculation had suggested that Swayman was seeking a contract worth $10 million per year. However, Friedman clarified that the goaltender’s ask is closer to $9.5 million annually, a figure that aligns with Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy’s salary. “I didn’t hear that,” Friedman said about the $10 million rumor. “What I heard was the ask was around the Charlie McAvoy number, but it’s not that far. At that point in time, we’re splitting hairs, and the Bruins just weren’t close to that.”
The negotiations are complicated by Swayman’s previous arbitration experience, which Friedman described as a “hard introduction into the business side” of the NHL. Swayman’s firm stance may be influenced by his experiences with arbitration and the dynamics of contract negotiations. Friedman noted, “Swayman saw what happened when some of his teammates pushed the line. The Bruins say, ‘No, this is our number,’ but once it’s settled, you’re a Bruin, and they take care of you.”
Despite the current standoff, Friedman left room for optimism about a resolution. “One phone call can change that,” he said, suggesting that a breakthrough could come swiftly. The Bruins currently have $8.6 million in projected cap space, with Swayman being their lone pending free agent. To meet the goaltender’s reported demand, the team would likely need to make a trade or cut a player to free up additional cap space.
As the season draws nearer, both sides will need to navigate these negotiations carefully. Bruins fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the situation develops and whether a deal can be reached before the season officially begins.