The Bruins Need to Extend Jeremy Swayman Immediately

The Boston Bruins are at a crucial juncture with their goaltending future when it comes to Jeremy Swayman. The young netminder has shown immense promise and consistency, making him one of the most reliable goaltenders in the NHL today. However, recent reports suggest that the Bruins have offered Swayman a four-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $6.2 million. While this might seem like a fair offer on the surface, it significantly undervalues Swayman’s potential and the role he could play in the Bruins future.

Swayman’s Performance Speaks for Itself

Since making his debut with the Bruins, Swayman has consistently outperformed expectations. His calm demeanor, coupled with excellent positioning and reflexes, has made him a standout in the Bruins crease. Over his first four seasons, Swayman has posted a remarkable 0.919 SV% and a 2.34 GAA, often ranking among the league leaders in both categories.

In the 2023-24 season, Swayman split duties with Linus Ullmark, and together they formed the best goaltending tandem in the NHL. Swayman’s ability to come up big in crucial moments has not gone unnoticed by Bruins fans and management alike. Given these statistics, it’s clear that Swayman is more than just a reliable option in goal—he’s a future star.

The Value of Goaltending in Today’s NHL

The importance of elite goaltending in the NHL cannot be overstated. Teams with top-tier goaltenders are often the ones making deep playoff runs, as goaltending can make or break a team’s chances in the postseason. The Bruins, who have built their identity around a strong defensive game, need to ensure they have a goaltender who can carry them through the highs and lows of a season.

Given the current landscape of goaltending contracts around the league, it’s clear that Swayman could command more than $6.2 million AAV on the open market. Comparable goaltenders like Ilya Sorokin ($8.25 million AAV), Connor Hellebuyck ($8.5 million AAV), and Juuse Saros ($7.74 million AAV) have all secured lucrative deals reflecting their value to their respective teams. Swayman’s numbers stack up favorably against these elite goaltenders, making a strong case that he deserves a similar, if not more substantial, commitment from the Bruins.

A Long-Term Extension is the Right Move

The Bruins have an opportunity to lock up a key piece of their future by signing Swayman to a long-term extension. A longer deal would not only provide Swayman with financial security but would also give the Bruins stability in goal for years to come. With the potential retirement of a key veteran like Brad Marchand in the near future, the Bruins will need a steady presence in net as they transition into a new era.

A long-term deal would also protect the Bruins from the rising costs of goaltending. As the salary cap continues to increase, so too will the price of retaining top talent. By signing Swayman now, the Bruins could secure his services at a more team-friendly rate compared to what he might command in a few years. Additionally, a long-term deal would eliminate the risk of losing Swayman to free agency, ensuring that he remains a cornerstone of the franchise.

Why the Four-Year, $6.2 Million AAV Offer is a Lowball

The rumored offer of a four-year deal at $6.2 million AAV is not reflective of Swayman’s value or potential. While it would provide him with a short-term raise, it falls short of what he could earn on a longer deal, both in terms of AAV and total contract value. Furthermore, a four-year deal would walk Swayman directly to unrestricted free agency, allowing him to test the market at the peak of his career—a risky move for the Bruins.

By offering Swayman a lower AAV, the Bruins are not only undervaluing his contributions but also potentially alienating a player who has shown loyalty and commitment to the team. It’s a short-sighted approach that could backfire if Swayman feels disrespected by the offer. A more appropriate deal would be an eight-year contract with an AAV closer to $8.5 million, which would reflect Swayman’s current performance and potential growth.

The Bruins Can’t Afford to Lose Swayman

In today’s NHL, finding a goaltender who can consistently perform at an elite level is rare. The Bruins have found that in Swayman, and they should do everything in their power to ensure he remains in Boston for the long term. Losing Swayman, either through free agency or because of dissatisfaction with his contract, would be a significant blow to the team’s future.

The Bruins have a history of being proactive with their key players, often locking them up before they hit the open market. Swayman should be no different. The team needs to recognize his value, offer him a fair and competitive contract, and secure their goaltending future. Anything less would be a disservice to both Swayman and the Bruins organization.

Final Thoughts

Jeremy Swayman has all the makings of a franchise goaltender, and the Bruins should treat him as such. The rumored four-year, $6.2 million AAV offer is not only a lowball but also a missed opportunity to secure one of the league’s best young goaltenders for the long haul. By offering Swayman a long-term extension at a fair market value, the Bruins can ensure they have a cornerstone in net for years to come—a move that will pay dividends as they continue to strive for success in the NHL.