Brutal update on Jeremy Swayman from Bruins GM Don Sweeney
He can’t be serious?!
The Boston Bruins will not have goalie Jeremy Swayman on the ice with his teammates. Yet.
On Wednesday, general manager Don Sweeney announded that the netminder will not be on the ice tomorrow when camp opens. He added that Swayman will not be on the ice until a contract is finalized.
Sweeney also stated that he is “disappointed” it’s not done yet, but “optimistic” they’ll get it done eventually. They’ll keep working at it. However, he did not get into specifics of the negotiations. The general manager however didn't sound like somebody that has an imminent deal with the restricted free agent, only adding that he’s optimistic they’ll get him signed before Dec 1.
Earlier this month, Spittin’ Chiclets co-host Ryan Whitney got involved in the Swayman’s contract negotiations when he revealed on air the Bruins’ offer to the restricted free agent goaltender. Recent reports had claimed that the goalie was seeking $10M AAV for his next contract as he continues to negotiate, while insider Frank Seravalli just claimed that Swayman is asking for around $8 million AAV, while the Bruins are sitting around $6 million AAV.
Last week, it was Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman who reported that there remained a sizeable gap in negotiations.
After trading Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators earlier this summer, the Bruins look to Swayman to lead the way in Boston with a bigger workload. Last year, he recorded a .916 save percentage in 44 games and ranked fifth in the NHL in goals saved above expected. The Bruins need him once the season gets underway and every day that goes by without an agreement gets fans extremely nervous.
Swayman has been in Boston, training with some teammates until they headed to camp. The goalie’s name is however missing from the roster.
The clock is ticking.
