The Boston Bruins have signed star goaltender Jeremy Swayman to an eight-year, $66M contract extension, lastly ending the stalemate between the Bruins and the league’s ultimate unsigned restricted free agent.
The signing was first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and seconded by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. LeBrun adds that the deal accommodates over $20M in signing bonuses – seemingly one of many items that held up negotiations. Friedman confirmed that quantity as $23M and provides that Swayman’s deal accommodates a no-trade clause.
Talks between the 2 sides grew to become a bit theatrical at their peak, with Swayman vocal about eager to signal a perceived honest deal whereas the Bruins’ brass lambasted his choice to holdout. Swayman missed the whole thing of Boston’s coaching camp, signing his long-term deal simply hours after their ultimate preseason recreation.
That delay might create a little bit of a problem, as Swayman is undoubtedly set to be Boston’s workhorse this season. The Bruins traded away former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark, lastly clearing the congestion after three years of platooning the 2 goalies. Ullmark was despatched to the Ottawa Senators in trade for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, ahead prospect Mark Kastelic and a 2024 first-round decide used to pick out heart Dean Letourneau.
Ullmark’s commerce freed up effectively over 40 begins, which ought to now trickle largely right down to Swayman. The latter earned the lion’s share of appearances for the primary time in his profession final season, posting 25 wins and a .916 save percentages in 44 video games – narrowly beating out Ullmark’s 22 wins and .915 in 40 video games. It was Swayman’s third-straight season posting a save share north of .910, together with the career-high .920 he set in 37 video games of the 2022-23 season.
Swayman, 25, remains to be younger, however he’s proven acumen on par with the very best within the league. By means of 132 profession video games throughout 4 seasons, Swayman has managed a blinding 79 wins and .919 save share. He ranks fourth amongst all NHL goalies in save share since making his debut in 2020 – a listing that’s, coincidentally, led by Ullmark.
Swayman joined the Bruins instantly following the conclusion of his junior yr on the College of Maine.
The trio of sturdy years on the College of Maine vindicated Boston’s 2017 fourth-round collection of Swayman in an enormous manner. He was drafted after a robust yr within the USHL, although his .914 save share could be overshadowed by a dropping 7-18-3 document. It was a uncommon down yr for the Sioux Metropolis Musketeers, coming off a yr because the Clark Cup runner-ups. However Swayman persevered, in the end touchdown at decide 111 within the draft – only one decide after the Toronto Maple Leafs chosen goaltender Ian Scott.
Now, seven years later, Swayman is the unequalled starter in Boston. He’ll put together for north of 60 video games this season – assuming his delayed begin to the yr doesn’t maintain him up – whereas Boston turns its consideration in the direction of the a lot harder query of who ought to again him up.
Korpisalo is actually the de facto alternative, largely due to the $3M cap hit he carries by the subsequent 4 seasons. Korpisalo solely acquired two preseason appearances, permitting three targets on 47 pictures – good for a .936 save share. That’s actually stout, however he’ll face loads of stress from reigning AHL starter Brandon Bussi, who saved 81 of the 90 (.900) pictures he confronted by 4 preseason appearances. Bussi posted a .913 in 41 AHL video games final yr – his first time dipping under .920 since turning professional in 2021. On the very least, his continued performances in preseason will earn him the sting over Michael DiPietro for the beginning function in Windfall.
Boston’s goaltending power as soon as once more runs by the depths of the roster, with the franchise goaltender now locked up for the foreseeable future. The Bruins will carry a projected $386.67K of cap house into the brand new season – seemingly sufficient to require another money-clearing transfer. They’ll look to rejoin the race for greatest within the East.
