Former Bruins star offers insight on what is holding up Jeremy Swayman’s contract extension
Former Boston Bruins star and current NESN analyst Andrew Raycroft has reassured Boston fans about the ongoing contract talks with goalie Jeremy Swayman. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is keeping the signing of Swayman on a long-term deal in his priorities. As a result, both sides didn’t opt for arbitration.
However, despite the start of free agency on July 1, there has been no news on the contract for 20 days. Raycroft addressed the delay on The Greg Hill Show, comforting fans.
“It’s gonna get done,” Raycroft said. “This year, the Stanley Cup Finals went all the way to the end, then there was three days till the draft, three days till free agency, three days to development camp, and (then) everybody’s gone. Everybody has their phones off, everybody is taking some time, this is the three or four weeks right now of the season actually being off.
“They’ve gone through this a little bit last season, so, the business side of it, they know where each other stands … and fortunately, for Jeremy, he knows he’s very important and wants to be paid as such,” Raycroft added.
Swayman was awarded a $3.475 million contract in salary arbitration for the 2023-24 season. He has become a restricted free agent again. His recent performance has been impressive, with a regular-season record of 25-10-8, a 2.53 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage, and three shutouts. In the playoffs, he had a 6-6 record, a 2.15 GAA, and a .933 save percentage.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s statement on Jeremy Swayman’s extension
GM Don Sweeney talked about Jeremy Swayman’s importance to the Bruins, saying on July 1 that securing him is a priority. Swayman is expected to sign a long-term contract extension, but he could stretch out negotiations.
“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,” Sweeney said on July 1.
“We’re in a great spot to find the best-negotiated deal we can find for both sides.”
Potential deals reportedly range from a long-term contract to a shorter, two-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) between $6.5 million and $7.5 million.
