The contract negotiations between the Boston Bruins and restricted free agent goalie Jeremy Swayman appear to have derailed, causing concern among fans.
Reports from former NHLer Ryan Whitney suggest the Bruins offered Swayman a 4-year deal worth $6.2 million annually, far below his reported ask of 8 years at $9.5 million per season-a deal comparable to Charlie McAvoy's.
Whitney's claim that the Bruins have not contacted Swayman's camp for three weeks is more alarming, later confirmed by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. This lack of communication and the significant gap in contract expectations suggest that both sides are far from reaching an agreement. Friedman also noted that, at one point, an 8-year deal was on the table, but with a much lower salary in the "sixes."
If Boston can't resolve this, other teams could see an opportunity to submit an offer sheet for Swayman. With GM Kyle Davidson at the helm, a rebuilding team like the Chicago Blackhawks could be particularly interested in acquiring a young, talented goaltender to pair with Connor Bedard.
Don Sweeney must act quickly or risk losing Swayman to another team willing to meet his contract demands.