The Boston Bruins made a significant move by signing Jeremy Swayman to an eight-year contract worth $66 million. This contract ended a standoff that could have affected the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Swayman, a restricted free agent, missed all of training camp, leading to concerns about his availability for the season.
Last year, the Bruins had two top goalies, Swayman and Linus Ullmark, who shared playing time until the playoffs. After failing to agree on a long-term contract in the summer of 2023, Swayman went through arbitration and signed a one-year deal. The new contract with an average annual value of $8.25 million makes Swayman one of the highest-paid goalies in the league.
Swayman expressed his excitement about returning to the team and thanked the fans for their support during the contract negotiations. The Bruins’ general manager, Don Sweeney, highlighted that signing Swayman was a top priority, leading to the trade of Ullmark to create room for the new contract. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Swayman’s status, the team had alternative options in Korpisalo and Bussi.
With the regular season approaching, the Bruins ensured that Swayman’s absence did not disrupt their preparations. Coach Jim Montgomery treated the situation as he would an injury, emphasizing the need for the next player to step up. The team’s focus remained on the upcoming games, with Korpisalo set to start the season opener against the Panthers.
The agreement with Swayman secures the team’s goaltending situation and provides stability as they aim to make a deep playoff run. The Bruins have a history of success in the regular season but have faced challenges in advancing past the second round of the playoffs in recent years. The addition of Swayman on a long-term deal signals the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster for the future.