It is time for another round of NHL rumours. The thrill of the first day of free agency has passed. However, there are still many rumours to sort through. Many of the big names have dropped out, but there are still plenty of players available. Summertime traditionally moves the spotlight to restricted free agents. The Boston Bruins need to sign one big-time RFA. This installment of NHL rumors examines what to expect in contract negotiations with one of their goaltenders.
All NHL rumors originate from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
What to Expect from Boston Bruins Goalie Talks Source: NBC Sports Boston’s Nick Goss examines the potential outcome of goalie Jeremy Swayman’s contract negotiations.
Analysis: Swayman is the last remaining goalie from the powerful tandem he built with Linus Ullmark, who was traded to the Ottawa Senators. The American netminder is an RFA and deserves a significant raise. Boston had about $21.7 million in cap space, but it added free agents such as Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. That reduced the cap, leaving General Manager Don Sweeney with approximately $10.2 million in available room.
Sweeney is likely accounting for the most of the cap space to be allocated to the 25-year-old target. Sweeney, on the other hand, must use caution while deciding how much to offer Swayman. Boston’s general manager must be practical with Swayman’s deal so that there is cap room if the team has to sign more players for a Stanley Cup playoff run.
The top of the list
Sweeney has repeatedly stated that locking down Swayman is his first goal. The goal is to find the proper term and cap number to satisfy both sides. Swayman is only 25, but he’s already establishing himself as one of the league’s best goaltenders.
However, what is the appropriate number on both sides? Goss points out that only five netminders in the league will earn more than $6.4 million next season. (Igor Shesterkin is poised to surpass that figure with his next agreement.) The current goaltenders have won six Vezina Trophies and three Stanley Cups.
Swayman may not have these awards yet, but he has been exceptional in his first three NHL seasons. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes one of the NHL’s greatest goaltenders.
What is the cost?
As previously said, Boston does have over $10 million in space. Sweeney would undoubtedly prefer to keep the number around $6 million, but the cap is expected to rise in the coming years. This suggests that a $7 million to $8 million hit is possible.
Some may say that is an overpayment. However, the rising cap may result in a deal. The Anchorage, Alaska native will most likely remain the backbone of the Bruins’ net for the next decade, barring calamity.
Unless an offer sheet arrives, there is no rush to close a sale. However, the two sides will need to meet and reach an agreement before training camp.
