Bruins starting goaltender disrespected by team leading to trade talks

Along with the rest of the final all-star nominations being revealed yesterday, Bruins' goaltender Jeremy Swayman earned a place in the game and had some interesting comments in a press conference after a 4-3 overtime win against St. Louis.

When asked to reflect on his all-star nomination, Swayman brought up his arbitration case with the Bruins this summer. As a Restricted Free Agent, Swayman took the Bruins to arbitration to earn more on his contract, and had to listen to the Bruins present a case as to why he deserved as little as possible. Famously, the legal process of salary arbitration can make players feel unwanted or disrespected, and Swayman definitely conveyed those feelings in his comments.


Swayman touched on how difficult the process was, and how he heard things a player should never have to hear - likely the team's strategy to bring Swayman's salary down - and being this open with these comments could further hurt the relationship with the Bruins and Swayman. After an incredible season with a 24-6-4 record, a 2.27 GAA, and a .920 save percentage, Swayman signed a one year contract for $3.475M, and will be a restricted free agent again this summer.


With the Bruins also having Linus Ullmark locked up for 2 more seasons at $5M annually, the team has a great abundance of goaltending they could trade from - and that may become more likely if the relationship between the Bruins and Swayman becomes damaged. So far, their great team success has quelled any discussion of a trade, but this could be the first sign of trouble in paradise. If Swayman were ever to become available for trade, the Edmonton Oilers could be a prime landing spot for him, and he could form an incredible and affordable tandem with Stuart Skinner. However, he would come with a high price, likely being multiple first round picks and high end prospects.