Major hurdle reported in Bruins signing Jeremy Swayman

The goaltending duo in Boston for the past seasons was one of the team’s biggest strengths. However last month, netminder Linus Ullmark was traded to the Ottawa Senators for Mark Kastelic, Joonas Korpisalo, and a draft pick, as the Bruins chose to rely on Jeremy Swayman moving forward.

While most fans like the move was coming, they might not have expected a hurdle reported by NHL Insider Kevin Paul DuPont of the Boston Globe, who believes the Bruins may be a little short on cap space to sign Swayman to a contract.

“DuPont suggests that while the Boston Bruins have $8.6 million in cap space, they still may have to make a trade to free up a bit more room in order to sign goaltender Jeremy Swayman.

"His next contract, depending on term, is expected to come in north of $9M AAV.”

The Bruins have to make the right call with this. After all, they chose to part with Ullmark and stick with Swayman for the future, they need to be able to pay the guy! Swayman remains without a contract as the Bruins’ training camp approaches on September 18. He did however opt not to pursue binding salary arbitration this year. Last season, arbitration awarded him a one-year deal worth $3.475 million.

It has been mentioned in the past that Swayman could be signed to a seven-year deal worth approximately $8 million annually, which would be a better plan financially for the Bruins.

Swayman has until December 1 to reach an agreement or risk being ineligible to play for the remainder of the season.