The Boston Bruins formally released their 2024 training camp roster on September 17. One of the best players on the team right now, restricted free-agent goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman, was notably missing from the lineup. Swayman is not on the roster of the 50 players expected to report to Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday, September 18, as he is still awaiting the completion of a new contract with the team.
The 25-year-old free agent is still unsigned just a few days before the regular season starts because the Bruins and Swayman have not yet come to an agreement. Boston won’t be sending one of its starting goalies to camp as a result. However, five goalies—Nolan Maier, Michael DiPietro, Joonas Korpisalo, Brandon Bussi, and Ryan Bischel—were present at the Bruins’ camp.
Korpisalo, who was just acquired from the Ottawa Senators, will probably start in Swayman’s stead, it’s true, but Swayman’s protracted contract dispute has the Bruins in a risky predicament. Swayman has established hi
mself as one of the top young goalies in the NHL with a career record of 79-33-15, a 2.34 goals-against average, and a.919 save percentage.
That really isn’t comparable to what Korpisalo, who is thought of more as a true backup than a starter, would give the Bruins. However, the Bruins’ reluctance to give Swayman a long-term contract due to concerns about his lack of experience as a full-time starter is causing a delay in the two parties’ agreement. Swayman might be seeking a deal over $10 million, but not exceeding Juuse Saros’ average annual value (AAV) of $7.74 million, according to recent sources.
The Bruins “lowballed” Ryan Whitney of Spittin’ Chiclet, allegedly offering him roughly $6.2 million a season. Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic correctly predicted Swayman’s departure from camp when he spoke on September 14 on the Bruins Rinkside show because the source saw no clear resolution in sight at the time.Shingzawa said he wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t signed when this went to camp.
“I think we’ve come to know Jeremy as someone who is very sure of himself, very confident, very secure in what he’s done and what he can be.”Jeremy exudes a strong sense of confidence in his skills and accomplishments.” Should Swayman’s protest continue into the later part of the season, things may become harder. NHL rules state that Swayman must sign his contract by December 1st in order to be eligible to play in the 2024–25 season.
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