NHL

NHL Rumours: Boston Bruins RFA Goalie Contract Update

Nero Scofield

It’s time for another update on NHL rumors! We’re just over a week into training camp, and several games have already taken place. Many restricted free agents have signed contracts and are now participating in camp after some tense negotiations. However, one significant RFA is still without a deal, and with the season starting next week, time is running out. Today’s NHL rumors focus on the latest news regarding the Boston Bruins and their young goalie.

Please note that all NHL rumors stem from original sources and may change over time.

NHL Rumours

Update on Unsigned Boston Bruins Goalie

Analysis: As the Boston Bruins have already played several pre-season games, Jeremy Swayman is still without a contract. This has led the team to rely on Joonas Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi as goaltenders for the time being.

According to LeBrun’s update, both the Bruins and Swayman are aiming for a long-term deal, with Swayman reportedly seeking an eight-year contract. However, the key issue appears to be the average annual cap hit for the young goalie from Anchorage, Alaska.

While the average cap hit remains a point of contention, it’s encouraging that both parties agree on wanting a long-term deal. Although negotiations could be more challenging, having that common ground is a positive sign.

Race Against the Clock
While it’s nice to hear some good news, LeBrun has mentioned that there’s a looming deadline. Boston seems to have set an internal deadline of October 8 to finalize Swayman’s contract, as this is when they kick off the season against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

General Manager Don Sweeney has until December 1 to sign Swayman to a new contract. However, it makes sense for Boston to aim for an earlier resolution to ensure Swayman is part of the team.

Sweeney has put himself in a tricky position by trading Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators before finalizing Swayman’s deal. The Bruins will need Swayman if they wish to be competitive in the Eastern Conference.

It All Ties Together
Boston fans aren’t the only ones keeping an eye on these contract talks. New York Rangers GM Chris Drury has to consider signing Igor Shesterkin to a new deal soon, as the Russian goalie will become an unrestricted free agent at the season’s end. Drury is keen to avoid letting the Vezina Trophy winner enter the open market and will be watching Swayman’s negotiations to gauge the market.

Another executive monitoring the situation is Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill, who also needs to sign his own RFA goalie, Jake Oettinger. As noted in previous NHL rumors, Nill is waiting to see how various deals pan out before approaching Oettinger. The outcomes of both the Swayman and Shesterkin negotiations will likely influence what Nill needs to offer his star goalie in the off-season.

Bruins fans hope these discussions are nearing a conclusion. After a series of ups and downs, they are eager for a resolution and hope it will be a long time before facing similar contract headaches again.

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