In a move that has sparked significant debate, the Boston Bruins traded Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators without securing a contract extension for Jeremy Swayman, Ullmark’s former goaltending partner. Swayman, who was the Bruins’ starter during the 2024 postseason with an impressive .933 save percentage, was expected to be their long-term netminder. The team assumed they could easily finalize a deal with Swayman, which influenced their decision to trade Ullmark.
However, the issue lies not in the trade itself but in the timing. As time goes by, the Swayman contract remains unsettled. The decision not to pursue arbitration could leave the Bruins exposed to an offer sheet. Additionally, the terms of Swayman’s contract might impact other goaltenders’ contracts and raise concerns about Boston’s cap space.
The Bruins Have Been Working on a Swayman Deal for Some Time
In early March, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Jeremy Swayman and Bruins GM Don Sweeney had started discussions about Swayman’s next contract. Swayman confirmed this, though he didn’t provide details on the progress. The current status of the negotiations is unclear. Swayman had a difficult arbitration process last summer, which he described as “hearing things that a player should never hear.” While he’s likely professional enough to move past it, such experiences can impact his expectations and flexibility.
Given this backdrop, it was interesting that the Bruins chose to trade Ullmark before finalizing a deal with Swayman. Some might argue that clearing Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit was necessary, but without a completed agreement with Swayman, Boston took a significant risk.
The Bruins Are in a Tricky Spot Now
Even as a restricted free agent, the Bruins are now dealing with a player who has demonstrated his value and holds considerable leverage. Jeremy Swayman, who is two years away from unrestricted free agency, is set to secure a notable increase from his previous salary of just under $3.5 million. With over $8.6 million in cap space for the 2024-25 season and Swayman being the only active roster player in need of a new contract, the Bruins are in a tight spot. Swayman is well aware of his value, the Bruins’ predicament, and his priority status.
General Manager Don Sweeney has highlighted Swayman’s significance, stating on July 1, “Sway is a key component of what we’re trying to build. It’s a priority for us, and we’ll work towards a negotiated resolution.” However, Sweeney isn’t revealing his strategy, suggesting that free agency and Swayman’s negotiations are separate issues, despite their interconnected nature. Sweeney noted, “We’re in a good position to find the best deal for both sides.” This statement seems somewhat misleading, as Swayman is prepared to leverage his position.
While a deal is likely, with Swayman probably signing a long-term extension with Boston, he could either make the process easier or prolong it. His salary is expected to rise significantly, with options ranging from a long-term contract to a shorter two-year deal, and an average annual value (AAV) between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. If the Bruins play hardball, Swayman might entertain an offer sheet, especially if it exceeds $9 million, given past negotiation issues.
The Bruins’ decision to trade Ullmark without first securing Swayman might be seen as a misstep. If Boston tries to undercut Swayman and another team offers a better deal, they risk losing a player they’ve invested heavily in. Sweeney’s approach has effectively ruled out a team-friendly deal, leaving no incentive for Swayman to be accommodating.
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