Earlier today, Bruins president Cam Neely implied that the team had made a $64MM offer to restricted free agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman in an effort to get a deal done. It would appear that this is the first that Swayman’s camp has heard of it. SPM Sports released the following statement from Swayman’s agent Lewis Gross via various social media platforms:
Normally, I do not release statements or discuss negotiations through the media. However, in this case, I feel I need to defend my client. At today’s press conference, $64 million was referenced. This was the first time that number was discussed in our negotiations. Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level.
We are extremely disappointed. This was not fair to Jeremy. We will take a few days to discuss where we go from here.
Earlier today, it was revealed that newly-acquired backup Joonas Korpisalo would be their opening-night starter. Between that and now Swayman’s camp saying that they’ll take a few days to discuss next steps, it’s fair to say that this contract isn’t getting resolved for a little while longer.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- The Stars won’t discuss a new contract in-season with captain Jamie Benn, relays Lia Assimakopoulos of the Dallas Morning News. Don’t interpret that as a sign that one of the sides doesn’t want to do something as GM Jim Nill indicated he approached Benn to see what he wanted to do while making it clear that he sees a spot for the veteran as long as he’s in charge. However, Benn decided he wants to wait until after the season for any discussions. The 35-year-old has spent his entire 15-year career in Dallas, amassing over 900 points including 60 in 82 games last season.
- Veteran defenseman Eric Gelinas has decided to try to give it another go in North America. The AHL’s Laval Rocket announced (Twitter link) that they have invited the 33-year-old to their training camp. Gelinas has 189 career NHL appearances under his belt, the last of which came in 2016-17. He spent the following year in Laval before bouncing around, seeing time in Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and nine games with AHL Chicago over the last six seasons.
- The IIHF announced that they hope to add a three-on-three ice hockey tournament to the 2030 Olympics for both men’s and women’s hockey. These events would not replace the existing tournaments but would merely add to the sport’s representation, similar to three-on-three basketball at the recently-ended Summer Games. A decision on whether those events will be added is expected in March.
Boston is completely out to lunch. You guys broke up your tandem to give Swayman the top job, but you aren’t willing to pay top job money? Get real. Trade him to a team that isn’t run by monkeys and be done with it.
Swayman doesn’t deserve top money and I’m a Bruins fan. From day one, Gross has come out and said he wants a Hellebuyck contract or more. Well, Swayman doesn’t have Hellebuyck’s resume. Heck, he doesn’t even deserve $8 million a season. He hasn’t played more than 45 games in a season. He hasn’t proved he can handle a bigger workload.
Cool, so trade him to another team then. Make Korpisalo the starter. Miss the playoffs like that rancid fan base deserves.
Gross has a history of not informing his clients of offers from teams. He didn’t tell Torey Krug of an offer the Bruins made before he reached free agency. He didn’t tell Nylander of offers from the Maple Leafs the other year. Nylander actually had to go sit down with the team himself to get a a deal done. This is what likely happened here. The offer was made, but Gross didn’t inform his client. Now that the info is out there, Gross has to cover his rear end.
If true, Sayman fires Gross and accepts the offer.
But maybe Neely, knowing this, set Gross up, and did not make the offer!…….STAYTUNE!
Jeez, just because your Leafs (they are all mad at Boston, lol) can’t beat them in the playoffs, don’t be your mad.
Don’t worry, Swayman will be in a Boston uniform to beat your team a few times
Bruins fan illustrating quite clearly why nobody likes Bruins fans.
Also, I don’t root for the Leafs. They’re kind of a joke. Sharks, Panthers and Blue Jackets for me.
All that said, he has one thing of value: leverage. The Bruins should have locked him up prior to getting rid of Ullmark and potentially leaving the net in the hands of Korpisalo, DiPietro, and Bussi.
How much of his stats are because of the B’s blue line / PK ? I mean I get it, go for the $$$ as much as you can, but the B’s PK% for the past 3 seasons has been top-10, and he’s only been in goal for a small number of those games.
Bruins bridge-deal blues baby
The point has been made here before and is really the only relevant point; Whether you believe Swayman is a #1 goalie doesn’t matter, the B’s tipped their hand and lost leverage when they traded Ullmark. They clearly believe Swayman is capable of being #1 and he knows it and is utilizing that leverage, and good on him for doing so.
Gonna be an ugly situation if Korpisalo steps in and looks like a true #1 next week and Swayman is sitting at home. Also gonna be an awkward situation if Korpi looks like a 2 at best and Swayman is at home.
One way or another Neely looks wrong.
If….If
They can win a playoff series with Korpisalo. Leave Swayman at home.
Agree Neely crapped his cage by not having Swayman signed, but that Korp is Korp and Bruins are screwed because of it:
Korp last year: 3.27 /.890 and 21-26-4