Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman is one of the last remaining restricted free agents in the NHL as training camps and the preseason inch closer. Despite near certainty that a new deal between Swayman and the Bruins will get done, it’s been a slow process for both sides.
Swayman has said he is confident a deal will get done, and now Bruins’ president Cam Neely is echoing that confidence.
Neely stated on WZLX’s The Rich Shertenlieb Show that negotiations are ongoing, but there is a sense that an agreement will be reached.
“Something will get done,” Neely said. “There’s no question. Not every negotiation is as smooth as you’d like it. I know our fan base would certainly love to have something done by now.”
Throughout the offseason there has never been a moment of concern between Swayman and the Bruins. Everyone in the organizations has felt confident a deal will be finalized, no matter how “far apart” talks may have seemed at points.
Swayman has a chance to become one of the highest paid goalies in the NHL, and for good reason. Even while sharing the net with Linus Ullmark, Swayman looked like a surefire No. 1 guy. The Bruins have that same belief and showed their commitment to Swayman by trading Ullmark during the offseason.
At 25 years old and coming off of a 25-10-8 season, Swayman’s new contract will likely take up most of the Bruins remaining salary cap space.
The Bruins have a little over $8.6 million to work with and Swayman is the last big deal they need to figure out. Swayman may be nearing a large pay day, but he’ll likely come in under the $8 million mark.
With the cap space to get a deal done and a mutual commitment on both sides, pen should be put to paper soon.
“I’m fully confident that both sides will come to an agreement before too long here,” Neely said.