NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman claims "philosophical differences" still at play between Jeremy Swayman and Bruins over new contract

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins - Source: Imagn
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talks about Jeremy Swayman and Boston Bruins contract situation (Credit: IMAGN)

Contract talks between the Boston Bruins and goaltender Jeremy Swayman remain unresolved with less than two weeks before the start of the NHL season on Oct. 4. On Thursday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that there were "philosophical differences" between the two sides. These differences involve the terms of an eight-year contract, with both parties still negotiating.

In his column for 32 Thoughts, Friedman wrote:

"I still believe there are philosophical differences yet to be bridged — what both sides are willing to accept on an eight-year contract. There’s been movement, but not enough to make everyone sing Kumbaya."

Last season, Swayman played under a $3.475 million contract. His impressive performance saw him record a 2.53 GAA and a .916 save percentage in the regular season, as well as a 2.15 GAA and a .933 save percentage in the playoffs. This suggests a higher pay for Swayman, and this might be the hurdle in signing an extension.

In late May, Jeremy Swayman expressed his desire for a long-term contract with the Boston Bruins.

"I'm confident that my agent and I and management will figure out the details this summer," Swayman said, according to NHL. "I'm looking forward to it."

Swayman did not choose to pursue arbitration in the hope of finalizing a deal, as both sides seemed open to negotiations. But apparently, the disagreement is still present.


GM Don Sweeney's statement on Jeremy Swayman's contract

Jeremy Swayman is expected to be the Bruins' starting goalie after sharing duties with Linus Ullmark for two seasons. Together, they helped Boston win the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2022-23 for allowing the fewest goals in the NHL (177). That same season, the Bruins set league records with 65 wins and 135 points. With Ullmark off to the Ottawa Senators, Swayman is the most experienced tender.

On Wednesday, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney expressed disappointment that a deal hasn't been reached yet but is optimistic they’ll find a solution by Dec. 1. That is the deadline for Swayman to sign and play in the 2024-25 season.

"He (Swayman) has chosen to wait, and rightfully so, until a contract is settled," Sweeney said according to NHL. "It's our intention to continue to negotiate a contract. I'm disappointed that when you set things as a priority in the general manager spot that you do your best to try and accomplish that and I haven't been able to do that yet."

Sweeney mentioned Dec. 1 as a key date, suggesting they are not rushing the talks, but fans are hoping for an agreement between Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins soon.

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Edited by R. Elahi
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