Bruins And Goalie at Impasse with Contract Talks
One month before the NHL season begins, the Boston Bruins find themselves in the throes of a lengthy contract discussion.
Many expected a contract extension to be worked out between the Bruins and star goaltender Jeremy Swayman (he/him) within the first week of free agency in July. With fellow goaltender Linus Ullmark (he/him) being traded to the Ottawa Senators before the NHL Draft, the abundance of cap space would have geared Swayman up for a top 5 contract among goalies. The signings of Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Lindholm (he/him) and defenseman Nikita Zadorov (he/him) took a large amount of cap space, but the Bruins still have $8.6M to sign Swayman. However, talks between Swayman’s camp and Bruins management have hit several snags. Both parties are attempting to resolve this without requiring arbitration, as last year’s negotiations stalled out into arbitration, which frustrated Swayman.
Reportedly, the Bruins have offered Swayman a few contracts that have been rejected for lack of term and average annual value (AAV). Most recently, per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Swayman turned down a contract for eight years (the maximum allowed under the CBA) at around $6M per year. The apprehension from Bruins management comes from Swayman never having been a full-time starter, with his experience in tandem with Ullmark this past season being the most he’s played in any given season. However, with Swayman showcasing elite goaltending talent in an increased role, his desire for a top contract is rather warranted.
There is an angle that could be explored. Earlier this summer, the Carolina Hurricanes made history, signing forward Seth Jarvis (he/him) to the first NHL contract with deferred payments. While Jarvis will play for Carolina for the next eight years, a portion of his annual pay will be deferred to a ninth year of payment. While less money up front, it gives Carolina cap relief while Jarvis still gets the full amount he wanted. The Bruins could explore possibilities of deferred payments for Swayman, giving him a full contract through his prime years and having some left over to pay him when the salary cap is higher in 2032-2033. However, with the season rapidly approaching, whatever decision they make, they need to make it quick
