Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman face contract dispute (Picture credit: Imagn)
As August ends, the Boston Bruins must finalize Jeremy Swayman’s contract. He is still unsigned as a restricted free agent and is reportedly asking for around $10 million per year. The Bruins have only $8.6 million in cap space, and the gap has led to debate.
NHL insider Paul Bissonnette took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his surprise.
“Am I crazy or or should the Bruins & Swayman just grab lunch at Nobu on the Jacobs credit card and stop with the off season drama? If this goes into the season what a joke,” Bissonnette wrote on X.
Bissonnette also criticized the gap between Swayman’s demand and the team’s cap space, writing:
“F**k off actually? I heard mcavoy deal was ask. He shouldn’t get 9.5m. He should get 8.5m max. Restricted and shared the net the last 2 seasons. That’s a healthy payday for a guy surrounded by a lot of help to provide that security for 8 years at that amount. We’re talking a difference of 4 million after tax dollars. 38m compared to 34m. Peanuts. No difference in lifestyle change.”
Swayman is now more focused on finding a fair deal and not setting a bad precedent for future goaltenders.
Jeremy Swayman talks contract negotiations and his future with the Bruins
“If you were to ask me that same question a year ago, I would answer truthfully. And I would say, ‘It’s scary. It’s a lot of resentment toward people that want you to succeed.’ And when you’re not being compensated for your endless efforts and doing what you do best, it’s a nerve-racking feeling because it’s your family that you’re fighting for.”
Swayman’s previous contract was worth $3.475 million. He believes that was too low and won’t accept a similar offer now. With training camp starting in three weeks, there is still time to reach an agreement. Swayman wants to stay with the Bruins but is holding out for a deal that matches his value.
