It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. The frenzy of the first day of free agency has come and go. However, there’s still plenty of rumours to sort through. Many of the major players are off the board, but there’s still many players left to sign. Summer time also usually means the focus shifts to restricted free agents. The Boston Bruins have one big-time RFA they need to sign. This edition of NHL rumours looks at what to expect in contract talks with one of their goalies.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
What to Expect From Boston Bruins Goalie Talks
Rumour: NBC Sports Boston’s Nick Goss takes a look at what may come of the contract talks for goalie Jeremy Swayman.
Analysis: Swayman is the last goalie standing of the dynamic duo he formed with Linus Ullmark, who was dealt to the Ottawa Senators. The American netminder is an RFA and is due a hefty raise. Boston had around $21.7 million of space, but it signed free agents like Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. That took a bit out of the cap and now General Manger Don Sweeney has around $10.2 million of space left.
Sweeney is probably accounting for most of that cap space to be devoted to the 25-year-old goal. However, Sweeney has to be somewhat smart with how much he gives Swayman. Boston’s GM needs to be practical with Swayman’s contract so there will be cap space if the club needs to add more pieces for a Stanley Cup Playoff push.
The Top of the List
It’s a given that locking down Swayman is Sweeney’s first priority that he mentioned several times. The key is finding the right term and the right cap number to make both sides happy. Swayman may only be 25, but he’s proving to be on a path to be one of the better goalies in the league.
However, what is the right number for both sides? Goss points out that there are only five netmiders in the league that make north of $6.4 million next season. (Igor Shesterkin is in line to eclipse that number with his next deal.) These current goalies have won six Vezina Trophies and three Stanley Cups.
Swayman may not have these accolades as of yet, but he’s better outstanding in his first three seasons in the NHL. It’s only a matter of time before he is among the NHL’s best goalies.
What’s the Cost?
As mentioned before, Boston does have over $10 million in space. Sweeney would probably like to keep the number around $6 million, but the cap is expected to go up the next few years. This means a possible hit of $7 million or $8 million could be in the cards.
Some may think that’s a bit of an overpay. However, the rising cap could make it end up becoming a bargain. The Anchorage, Alaska native is going to be the backbone of the Bruins’ net for likely the next decade barring disaster.
Unless an offer sheet comes in, there isn’t a rush to make a deal. However, the two sides will have to meet and come to an agreement before training camp.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
