The Boston Bruins are facing scrutiny for trading Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators without securing a contract extension for Jeremy Swayman, his former goaltending partner. Swayman, who shared the crease with Ullmark during the 2023 season, emerged as the team’s starter in the 2024 postseason with a stellar .933 save percentage. The Bruins traded Ullmark, assuming they could easily finalize a deal with Swayman, but the ongoing delays have sparked concerns.
Timing and Risks
The issue lies more in the timing of the Ullmark trade than the trade itself. As more time passes without a deal, the Bruins become increasingly vulnerable to an offer sheet. Additionally, Swayman’s new contract could set a precedent for other netminders, raising questions about Boston’s cap space management.
Ongoing Negotiations
Reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman in early March indicated that Swayman and Bruins’ GM Don Sweeney began contract negotiations. Swayman confirmed the discussions but didn’t elaborate on their progress. The arbitration process last summer, described by Swayman as “hearing things that a player should never hear,” may have influenced his expectations and flexibility in the current negotiations.
Strategic Moves and Challenges
The Bruins’ decision to trade Ullmark before securing Swayman’s deal was risky. Clearing Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit was necessary, but without a finalized deal for Swayman, Boston took a significant gamble. Now, even as a restricted free agent, Swayman holds considerable leverage, being just two years away from unrestricted free agency and poised to command a substantial increase from his previous salary of just under $3.5 million.
Swayman’s Value and Future
With over $8.6 million in cap space for the 2024-25 season and Swayman being the only active roster player needing a new contract, the Bruins are in a tight spot. GM Don Sweeney emphasized Swayman’s importance, stating, “Sway is a big part of this whole dynamic of what we’re trying to put together. It’s a priority for us. We’re going to continue to find a negotiated landing spot.” Despite Sweeney’s reassurances, the negotiation dynamics suggest otherwise.
Potential Outcomes
While a long-term deal is likely, Swayman could opt for a shorter two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) expected between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. If the Bruins play hardball, an offer sheet above $9 million might tempt Swayman, especially given past negotiation frictions.
The Bruins’ decision to trade Ullmark without securing Swayman first appears to have been a mistake in hindsight. Should the Bruins attempt to lowball Swayman and another team presents a more lucrative offer, Boston risks losing a heavily invested player. At the very least, Sweeney’s actions have eliminated the potential for a team-friendly deal and reduced Swayman’s incentive to do the Bruins any favors.
As the Bruins navigate this critical juncture, the outcome of the Swayman negotiations will significantly impact the team’s future, potentially reshaping the roster dynamics and the franchise’s trajectory.
