BOSTON—The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching on Friday, compelling teams all over the league to make their last-ditch efforts to win a Cup. However, longer-term decisions can still be made, and the Bruins, with goaltender Jeremy Swayman, could be heading in that direction. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that the Bruins have “begun discussing an extension with Jeremy Swayman.”
After going to arbitration in the previous offseason, Swayman, 25, was awarded a $3.475 million deal for the current campaign. The team made an offer of $2 million, while Swayman allegedly asked for $4.8 million.
Speaking from experience, Swayman stated earlier in the season that the arbitration hearing included “hearing things that a player should never hear” from the Bruins.
Swayman’s record for this season is 19-6-8,.919 save %, and 2.53 goals against average. Swayman is ranked second in the NHL in save percentage and eighth in GAA among goalies with at least 30 starts. With three shutouts, he is tied for sixth place as well. Compared to fellow goaltender Linus Ullmark, he has done better, starting four more games so far this year. Ullmark has a record of 16-7-6, 2.80 GAA, and a save percentage of.910.
Friedman did not mention any impending contract extensions, but if the Bruins want to move Ullmark before Friday, they probably need to complete that transaction. In addition to having a 16-team no-trade list and one more season remaining at $5 million on his contract, Ullmark adds another layer of complexity to any potential trades this week.
“If someone craves a netminder now, Boston’s in a position to deliver,” Friedman stated. But there are two problems with this. The Bruins currently have the best chance to win thanks to the Swayman/Ullmark combination, and Ullmark also has some control over this. He has the right to obstruct if it involves a team he can refuse…. It’s difficult to say where this will go, but it might lead to a larger hockey deal or something as straightforward as more depth for the postseason.”
