There may be nonetheless time to signal Jeremy Swayman, however the best way issues appear to be trending, the Boston Bruins might be going through an unprecedented dilemma: having to commerce two Vezina-caliber goaltenders in back-to-back seasons.
After dealing Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators this summer season to clear the best way for Swayman’s deal, the crew is now struggling to achieve an settlement with Swayman himself, leaving his future in Boston unsure.
Swayman, who grew to become a restricted free agent on July 1, has been absent from coaching camp as contract talks have stalled. Whereas each side reportedly desire a long-term deal, the primary sticking level seems to be the annual common worth (AAV). Swayman is believed to be in search of a contract within the $8.5 million to $10 million vary, whereas the Bruins’ preliminary provide was rumored to be a lot decrease.
Associated: Bruins Set Deadline on Swayman Deal, Goalie Fixated on Time period
Swayman considerably outperformed his contract, posting a .916 save proportion and rating fifth amongst NHL goalies with 22.8 objectives saved above anticipated. He was additionally dragged by means of arbitration by the Bruins final summer season, a call many consider he’s by no means gotten over. With sturdy numbers and a little bit of a burr in his saddle, he’s dug in on his contract calls for.
Time Is Working Out for Bruins and Swayman Commerce Talks Are Out There
If the 2 sides can’t attain an settlement by Dec. 1, Swayman will probably be ineligible to play this season. That has led to hypothesis that the Bruins would possibly truly really feel the necessity to commerce Swayman and transfer in a unique course.
Elliotte Friedman mentioned in a current episode of the 32 Ideas podcast:
“I had some individuals asking me, do you assume the Bruins will pivot and take into account buying and selling Swayman, simply quit and go? … however my impressions are that the Bruins don’t wish to commerce Swayman.”
The Bruins definitely don’t wish to need to lean on veteran Joonas Korpisalo and unproven prospects Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro. It’s a large drop-off for a crew that when prided itself on having the perfect goaltending duo within the NHL. However, would possibly they be left with little selection?
If Swayman sits out, it might derail Boston’s season earlier than it even begins. Boston might must shortly pivot to keep away from falling out of rivalry if Korpisalo and whoever backs him up can’t carry the load. A
Buying and selling Swayman Has to Put Sweeney on Sizzling Seat
The strain is mounting for GM Don Sweeney to get a deal performed. Buying and selling Ullmark was presupposed to solidify Swayman because the franchise goalie, however now there’s an actual danger of dropping each top-tier netminders inside months of one another. The query stays: will Boston cave and pay massive, committing to Swayman long-term? Or, will they face the humiliation of dealing away one other Vezina-worthy goaltender?
If the latter, the Bruins must severely take into account buying and selling Sweeney. Even when he wasn’t the individual to make the decision to commerce Ullmark, somebody must fall on the sword.
Subsequent: Oilers Make Cuts to Roster: Ship O’Reilly, Savoie, and Others Down
