Former NHL player-turned-analyst Stu Grimson weighed in on the ongoing contract standoff between goaltender Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins. Swayman is currently a restricted free agent and remains without a new contract ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Grimson said on the NHL Network that Swayman has vowed to never go through arbitration again after being awarded a one-year, $3.5 million contract last summer.
True to his word, Swayman avoided arbitration this time around despite being eligible. However, he and the Bruins have yet to come to terms on an extension.
He believes time is on Swayman’s side when it comes to leverage in negotiations.
“Yeah, time is pressure. I think, you know, Swayman certainly has time on his side. I think there’s a little more. Grimson said Wednesday.
“I think he’s got good leverage. Remember, this is guy, he was 44 games last year, .916 was fifth best in the business at a time when .901, .902ish is a really strong, save percentage.
But Swayman had a great year. Swayman needs to start the year where these, B’s are concerned. So to me, you know time is pressure. Time is your friend of your Jeremy Swayman. I suspect he brings that time to bear.” Grimson stated.
With training camp on the horizon, the pressure is mounting for Boston to get Swayman signed.
Stu Grimson analyzes Jeremy Swayman’s potential contract numbers
Stu Grimson also shared his thoughts on what Jeremy Swayman’s next contract with the Boston Bruins could look like.
“Oh, I got to believe if it doesn’t start with a six, it’s high fives. But I would say six, give or take point five (million), somewhere in that range, in my estimation. A good chunk of cap space left ($8,636,667) to button down there their number one netminder.”
Grimson believes there is a strong fit between Swayman and the Bruins organization. He thinks both sides will work hard to come to terms on a deal. Boston still has a good amount of cap space to work with, around $8.6 million according to Grimson’s estimate.
This will help accommodate Swayman’s new contract as they look to secure their goaltender for the future.
Edited by Debasish
