As the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman work through contract negotiations, one thing is clear: the 25-year-old goalie knows his worth and isn’t necessarily inclined to take a discount to stay with the team. The key issue remains how much of a raise Swayman will receive from the $3.475 million he made last season. Both sides have maintained a positive front this summer, but Swayman’s approach to these talks may be influenced by more than just his performance.
On the “Shut Up Marc Podcast,” Swayman discussed his perspective on a rising NHL salary cap and a surging goalie market, both of which may play a significant role in the contract he seeks. Reflecting on his mindset shift after going through arbitration with Boston last summer, Swayman expressed that he now understands the business side of the league much better.
Bruins star goaltender Jeremy Swayman on his contract situation:
Per: @MarcLewisIsCool
“If you were to ask me that question a year ago, I would answer truthfully and say “it’s scary, it’s a lot of resentment towards people that want you to succeed. And when you’re not being… pic.twitter.com/XYzOiVkw30
— Savage (@SavageSports_) August 28, 2024
“I’ve educated myself on the business side of it all,” Swayman told host Marc Lewis. “I understand the cap is going up and where it will be in the future. I know my comparables and how I can’t ruin the market for other goalies in similar situations down the line.”
Recent rumors suggest Swayman is seeking $10 million per year on his new contract, potentially banking on a growing cap ceiling and his rising status among goalies. Currently, only four active goalies will make over $6.4 million this upcoming season, with Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky being the only netminder at the $10 million mark. Swayman’s new deal could set the floor for future contracts of other elite young goalies, like the Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin and Jake Oettinger.
With the NHL’s salary cap projected to rise significantly in the coming years — potentially reaching $101 million by the 2027-28 season — top goalies could soon command $9-10 million per year. However, even with Swayman’s strong playoff performance last season, including a .933 save percentage and leading all goalies in goals saved above expected, the Bruins may not be ready to meet his demands just yet.
What a save by Jeremy Swayman to seal a Game 5 win. pic.twitter.com/XdoiOIyr1e
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) May 15, 2024
Despite a strong finish to the 2023-24 season, the Bruins may not be ready to offer Jeremy Swayman a salary exceeding $10 million annually, even though he has potential as a top NHL goalie. Swayman’s impressive development has been crucial to Boston’s success in recent seasons, but the team may hesitate to commit such a large sum to a goalie who will be stepping into the No. 1 role for the first time.
With Linus Ullmark traded in June, Swayman is expected to take on the majority of the workload this season. However, his career high in games played is only 44, set last season, which raises concerns about his ability to handle a heavier schedule.
Swayman’s best finish in Vezina Trophy voting is seventh overall, and while he had a strong playoff run, other goalies like Igor Shesterkin, with an $8.25 million salary, have had more extensive experience and success.
The Bruins are likely enthusiastic about Swayman’s potential and his recent performance, but they might prefer a contract in the range of $7.5-8.5 million per year. This would be a substantial increase from his current pay, set a new benchmark for goalies, and could be a good investment if he continues to excel with more ice time.
Despite the uncertainties, Swayman is eager to stay with the Bruins. He expressed immense gratitude for his situation and is thrilled to continue playing for Boston. “I think 10-year-old Jeremy Swayman didn’t think in a million years that he’d be in this position he’s in and the city he’s in,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier to be in this situation. At the end of the day, I’m stopping pucks for the Boston Bruins.”
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