Boston Bruins fans are furious after team president Cam Neely seemed to imply the team had offered restricted free agent goalie Jeremy Swayman a $64 million contract. However, Swayman's agent publicly refuted that claim.
At the Bruins' press conference on Monday, Neely remarked:
"I know I have 64 million reasons why I'd be playing right now."
The comment highlighted Swayman's absence from preseason due to his contractual stalemate.
However, hours later, Swayman's agent Lewis Gross released a statement on social media saying:
“Normally, I do not release statements or discuss negotiations through the media,” Gross noted. “However, in this case, I feel the need to defend my client. At today’s press conference, $64 million was referenced. This was the first time that number was discussed in our negotiations."
Gross also added,
Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level. We are extremely disappointed. This was not fair to Jeremy. We will take a few days to discuss where we go from here.”
The contradictory remarks have sparked outrage among Bruins fans, many of whom are calling for an overhaul of the team's front office.
"The Neely/Sweeney regime needs to end," wrote one fan on X.
Another fan noted,
"Sweeney is a POS. Cam, today is as well. They should have NEVER said what they said in a presser. Boston will be extremely LUCKY if Sways decides to give them his services. Total hack move by Bruins brass today."
Here are other some fan reactions to Jeremy Swayman's contract negotiations, most of which slammed Neely and the front office:
"Boston such a poverty franchise" one fan wrote on X.
"Fire Don Sweeney and Cam Neely into the sun." another fan wrote.
"New book... "How to suck at strategy and negotiations" by Cam Neely." another fan commented.
However, there was one fan who blamed the Bruins for the Swayman contract situation.
"The Bruins have nobody but themselves to blame. Traded away Ullmark without a contract in place for Swayman. Lost all leverage." a user commented.
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery taps Korpisalo for season opener in Jeremy Swayman's absence
Boston Bruins HC Jim Montgomery announced that Joonas Korpisalo will likely be the starting goaltender for the team's season opener. This decision comes in the wake of uncertainty surrounding Jeremy Swayman's contract negotiations.
Montgomery made the announcement during a press conference on Monday.
"Right now he's (Korpisalo) going to be our Game 1 starter," Montgomery stated.
Korpisalo set career-highs in games (55) and games started (49) with the Ottawa Senators last season. He finished 21-26-4 with a 3.27 goals allowed average and a .890 save percentage.
The Boston Bruins will face the Florida Panthers for their first regular season game.