Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is a restricted free agent yet to sign a contract, with September just a week away.
It’s not entirely unusual for RFAs to go unsigned this late in the summer, but with the first day of training camp (Sept. 18) less than a month away, the two sides will need to find common ground at some point in the near future.
Bruins president Cam Neely provided an update on the situation during a radio appearance on WZLX on Thursday. The Rich Shertenlieb Showand he doesn’t sound worried at all.
“Something is going to happen. There’s no question about that,” Neely said. “Not every negotiation goes as smoothly as you’d like. I know our fans would certainly appreciate something happening now. But I’m absolutely confident that both sides will come to an agreement here in the not too distant future.”
Swayman is coming off a fantastic run in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, posting a league-best .933 save percentage and 2.15 goals-against average. He also played well in the regular season, posting a 25-10-8 record, .916 save percentage and 2.53 goals-against average in 44 games played.
NHL Network recently released its annual rankings of the top 10 goalies and Swayman ranked fourth.
The ideal scenario for the Bruins would be to lock Swayman down to a long-term deal that keeps him in Boston through his prime. Not only is he one of the most talented goalies in the league, he also has the composure and mental toughness to compete in an Original Six hockey market.
According to Puck Pedia, the Bruins currently have $8.63 million in salary cap space.
