The Boston Bruins are planning to enter training camp without a confirmed starter, with general manager Don Sweeney sharing that there are still no updates on a new deal – only telling Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe, “We’ll talk [with Swayman] next week.” Boston begins their training camp on September 18th and will be doing so with Joonas Korpisalo as their top netminder, pending a sudden change.
That’s certainly not what the team could have planned when they traded former Vezina Trophy-winner Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, clearing a path for Swayman to finally take on the starting role. The two have split time for the last three seasons, with Swayman managing a dazzling .919 save percentage in 132 games over the stretch. He played in a career-high 44 games last season but still sits without a legitimate test in a starting role. That’s likely one of, if not thee, biggest pieces holding up negotiations – though a rumored high asking price and lack of comparable contracts don’t make matters easier.
Other notes out of Boston:
- Sweeney also shared with NHL.com’s Mark Divver that the team isn’t expecting to sign any more PTOs, though he didn’t rule them out entirely. That would leave former Stanley Cup-winner Tyler Johnson as the team’s only try-out this camp, potentially opening more opportunity for fringe players like Justin Brazeau, John Beecher, and John Farinacci to get noticed. The quartet will are a part of a crowded competition for ice-time in Boston’s bottom-six, after the team lost an endless list of depth pieces this summer.
- Bruins prospect Cole Spicer took the ice with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday night, making his first appearance since stating that he’d be stepping away from the game indefinitely for personal reasons. Spicer was listed as the Saints’ top-line center in Dubuque’s final game of the pre-season. He’s spent the last two seasons with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, recording a measly 15 points in 49 appearances. A return to the USHL would make Spicer one of the league’s older players, though it could also mark a necessary change of scenery after two down years. The feisty centerman will be one to watch as the season rolls around, as he looks to gather his footing in the hockey world and begin fighting his way up the Bruins organization.
absolutely BS that Sweeney dropped the ball on a swayman deal so far. why he is still GM is beyond me.
Just trade Swayman and Patrick Brown to CBJ for Sillenger and a 1st. Sign Lankenen for 2 x $2M
CBJ gets to the cap floor signing Swayman to a 7 x 8.5M contract, Boston has a better forward group and a goalie tandem that should prove adequate for their system.
Not all on Sweeney. Swayman’s camp is a bit delusional in their ask. They want a Hellebuyck deal or more for Swayman. I’m a Bruins fan & Swayman doesn’t have anywhere near the resume that Hellebuyck has. Swayman’s agent needs to get realistic in his ask as well
Why would Boston do that trade? Makes no sense for them. Don’t need another center. Also, they don’t need Lankinen. They’d run with Bussi & Korpisalo before they bring in Lankinen.
Well Johnny, as a Bruin fan I’m sure glad your not the GM!
You’d get slaughtered by every GM if you think that’s a good trade for Bos.
Jsgoody – you realize two sides to all negotiations right?
Swayman has just as much say as Sweeney in what gets signed.
Also, if you think Sweeney is a horrible GM, then name me a GM in the last 10 yrs that has built his team without having at least 3 top 5 picks, and another 3-5 top 10 picks.
Also that GM didn’t walk into a team with all those top picks already on the team.
I’ll await your list – because the way you think there must be a dozen or more?
It is all Sweeney’s fault he should’ve had a deal in place before trading Ullmark there’s no if and’s about it it’s been clear for that Sweeney has dropped the ball sorry puck to many times just look at are farm system the worst in the league he’s done great signing are own guys but in free agency he’s god awful and his trades haven’t been that much better
Exactly right. Honestly Sway this is just a great way to start when you’ve been chosen to be the starter. Remember buddy no more splitting games with what I believe was one of the greatest goaltenders ever. Smh, I miss Ullie more and more as we sit and wait for Sway to sign a contract.