Bruins GM Hopes to Sign Jeremy Swayman ‘Before December’
Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney voiced his frustration over the continued contract impasse with goaltender Jeremy Swayman ahead of training camp on September 18. As the Bruins kick off their 2024–25 training camp, Swayman remains unsigned, leaving the team without their would-be No. 1 goalie on the ice for the upcoming preseason and the start of the regular season, for as long as he doesn’t put pen to paper.
“He has chosen to wait, and rightfully so, until a contract is settled,” Sweeney said on Wednesday, via NHL.com. “It’s our intention to continue to negotiate a contract. “I’m disappointed that when you set things as a priority in the general manager spot that you do your best to try and accomplish that and I haven’t been able to do that yet.” Sweeney remains optimistic, noting that talks with Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, are continuing. However, he mentioned the last possible day to reach an agreement in an ominous sign of where things stand.
“At the end of the day, I’m optimistic,” Sweeney said. “I think we’ll find a landing spot before Dec. 1.”
The main sticking points appear to be salary and term.
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Swayman’s camp is reportedly seeking a deal in the $9-10 million range, aiming for a salary on par with some of the NHL’s top goaltenders. “Swayman’s camp is believed to be looking for a long-term deal worth in between $9 million and $10 million per season,” Pagnotta wrote. “Both sides remain confident a deal will be ironed out as contract talks continued over the weekend, though possibly not as confident as ’10 days ago.'” However, the Bruins are hesitant to go beyond an $8 million annual average value (AAV), according to Andrew Keefe’s report on September 18.
“To the best of my knowledge, the Bruins won’t go over $8 million (AAV) and a deal has not been finalized,” Keefe said. With the departure of Linus Ullmark, the Bruins cleared the path for Swayman to take the starting role, but the deal is not done and the net will have to wait for him. As of now, Joonas Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi are expected to carry the load in net until a resolution is found, with the former, acquired from the Senators in the Ullmark trade, expected to be named the starter.
