Surprising development emerges with Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins per insider Lebrun
With only two weeks until the Boston Bruins season starts, Jeremy Swayman remains one of two unsigned RFAs in the NHL, with insider Pierre LeBrun offering a significant update on the contract talks.
According to LeBrun, both the Bruins and Swayman are holding firm in their contract negotiations. Initially, Bruins GM Don Sweeney mentioned a deadline of December 1st, but LeBrun now suggests that a new deadline could be set around the Bruins' season opener on October 10th.
"The key thing is that Swayman is still very focused on getting an eight-year deal. That's still the No. 1 priority for him, and the Bruins are looking at a long-term deal as well. But, you can't have the [New York Rangers goaltender Igor] Shesterkin discussion without having Swayman tied into it in the sense that they are different negotiations. Swayman, in terms of the collective bargaining agreement, isn't at the same leverage point because he won't be a UFA at the end of the year. So, Shesterkin has the higher leverage point.
"...Just because all these goalies [across the league] are signing for whatever they signed for the last couple years, Swayman can't find a way to push through. I think we're seeing that in his negotiations with the Bruins, so it's a fascinating one."
Swayman is reportedly seeking an eight-year deal, with the Bruins also aiming for a long-term contract. However, Swayman's bargaining position differs from other goalies, like Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers, who is pushing for a $10.5 million contract due to his upcoming unrestricted free agency (UFA) status. Swayman, being a restricted free agent, doesn't have the same leverage.
In a recent interview on the 'Shut Up Marc Podcast,' Swayman made it clear that he has no interest in signing a team-friendly deal, emphasizing the importance of getting fair compensation for his efforts.
«The answer I'm going to give you this year is that I've educated myself, and that I understand the business side of it all. And it's given me a complete new mindset of understanding the business and how to react to it.
"I understand the cap is going up and where it will be in years. I understand my comparables and how I can't ruin the goalie market for other guys that are going to be in my shoes down the line." - Swayman
As the preseason nears its end, it remains uncertain where the Bruins and Swayman stand on finalizing a deal, and concerns are growing as the regular season approaches.
| POLL | ||
25 SEPTEMBRE | 684 ANSWERS Surprising development emerges with Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins per insider Lebrun Do you think Jeremy Swayman is asking for too much money? | ||
| Yes | 534 | 78.1 % |
| No | 150 | 21.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
