Re-signing Jeremy Swayman: A Priority for the Boston Bruins
Introduction:
The Boston Bruins face a crucial decision this offseason: re-signing goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Swayman’s one-year contract is set to expire, and after an impressive playoff run, it’s clear that he deserves a raise. General Manager Don Sweeney has emphasized the importance of bringing Swayman back, recognizing his contribution to the team’s success. However, this decision comes with financial implications, as the Bruins already have Linus Ullmark under contract for another season. Balancing their goaltending tandem with other areas of need will be a challenge for the organization.
Swayman’s Performance and Contract Negotiations:
Jeremy Swayman demonstrated his worth during the playoffs, proving that he deserves to be paid like a top-tier goaltender. His projected performance suggests that he should receive a significant raise, which would increase his workload and potentially leave Ullmark on the bench more often than before. While Ullmark’s $5 million annual salary could be better allocated elsewhere, it’s important to recognize his contributions as well.
The Implications of Extending the Partnership:
Extending the partnership between Swayman and Ullmark would push Brandon Bussi into the third goaltender position. This leaves the Bruins with two options: carrying a third goalie or risking Bussi becoming a waivers claim by assigning him to the AHL. Neither option is ideal from a business perspective, making it necessary for the Bruins to find a resolution with Swayman.
The Challenges of Negotiating with Swayman:
The Bruins attempted to extend Swayman’s contract during the regular season but were unable to reach an agreement. With Swayman’s impressive postseason performance, it’s unlikely that his price has decreased. Whether through organic negotiation or a second arbitration process, the Bruins will need to come to a long-term contract agreement with Swayman. This makes a return for Ullmark highly unlikely, as the organization focuses on finding a landing spot for Swayman.
Exploring Trade Options for Ullmark:
General Manager Don Sweeney is known for driving hard bargains on the trade market, and his mandate will be to secure the highest return possible for Ullmark. However, trading former Vezina Trophy winners is uncommon, limiting the market compared to high-end forwards and defensemen. Recent trades involving goaltenders like Marc-Andre Fleury, Alexandar Georgiev, and Ville Husso provide insight into the potential value of Ullmark. It may prove challenging for Sweeney to find true value for Ullmark, given the limited options and Ullmark’s desire to stay in Boston.
Finding Value in the Trade Market:
The market for goaltenders is smaller than that for other positions, making it difficult to establish comparables. Sweeney acknowledges that supply and demand play a significant role in shaping the trade market. With few goaltenders being exchanged, the options are limited. Additionally, many teams acquire goalies through the draft or free agency, as the Bruins did with Swayman and Ullmark. This further complicates the process of trading Ullmark and finding true value in return.
The Price to Pay:
Considering Ullmark’s desire to stay in Boston and his partial no-trade clause, interested teams will likely be able to acquire him at a relatively low cost. The Bruins must weigh the need for players who can score against the financial commitment of Ullmark’s contract. By reallocating his salary toward improving their offensive capabilities, the Bruins can advance their goal of upgrading at center, wing, and defense.
Conclusion:
Re-signing Jeremy Swayman is a top priority for the Boston Bruins. His impressive performance and projected potential make him deserving of a significant raise. However, balancing the goaltending tandem with other areas of need poses a challenge for the organization. General Manager Don Sweeney must navigate the trade market to find true value for Linus Ullmark, considering the limited options and Ullmark’s desire to stay in Boston. Ultimately, finding a resolution that benefits the team’s overall goal of improving their attack is crucial. The Bruins are determined to be aggressive in pursuing opportunities to complement their current roster, ensuring a competitive and balanced team for the upcoming season.