Swayman in the eye: The high price Blackhawks must pay to land Bruins goalie
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Chicago Blackhawks: The new sanctuary for former Bruins.
The Chicago Blackhawks have emerged as an intriguing destination for ex-Boston Bruins players.
Notables such as
Craig Smith,
Nick Foligno, and
Taylor Hall have all donned the Blackhawks jersey, signaling a significant shift in player movements between these storied franchises.
Amidst this trend, the Blackhawks' general manager, Kyle Davidson, faces a tantalizing prospect: acquiring goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who is currently at a contractual impasse with the Bruins.
This potential move raises critical questions about cost and strategy for Davidson and his team.
Would this move mean resorting to an offer sheet?
Considering the recent uproar surrounding Doug Armstrong's actions, the potential for a dramatic fallout with the Bruins seems high. In his own words:
"I've read what people have written. If there's a rule that says GMs can't make hostile offers, no one has emailed me that," Armstrong said. "There's no rule. I've talked to a few people in the league ... there's a mechanism that exists."
Doug Armstrong, after making two hostile offers to two Edmonton Oilers players
An offer sheet for Swayman could be a massive gamble. Financial projections place his next contract somewhere between $8 million and $11 million annually.
Should Davidson and the Blackhawks pursue this path, they would be required to relinquish two first-round picks, along with a second and third-round pick, to secure Swayman.
Such a steep price poses significant risks. The Blackhawks are in the throes of rebuilding, making every draft pick and prospect crucial for their long-term success.
Even if they were to offer around $9 million, the Bruins might simply match the offer, nullifying all efforts to snag the talented goaltender.
However, the notion of making a bold move that could "break the internet," reminiscent of Armstrong's approach, remains tantalizing.
For the Blackhawks, the question remains: Is the potential reward worth the hefty risk?
The answer to this could reshape the team's trajectory and stir the NHL waters, much like Armstrong's controversial moves.
Previously on HawksLatest
POLL |
25 AOUT | 22 ANSWERS Swayman in the eye: The high price Blackhawks must pay to land Bruins goalie Should Kyle Davidson send Jeremy Swayman an offer-sheet? |
Yes | 11 | 50 % |
No | 11 | 50 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
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