Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman has secured a substantial contract through arbitration, with the team announcing a payout of $3.475 million for next season. The ruling, which was delivered on Tuesday following a hearing on Sunday, reflects Swayman’s growing importance to the Bruins’ goaltending situation.
At just 24 years old, Swayman is expected to continue sharing the net with reigning Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Linus Ullmark. Last season, the duo’s exceptional performance earned them the William Jennings Trophy, as they led the NHL in goals-against average. This achievement, along with the Bruins’ record-setting number of wins and points, undoubtedly influenced the arbitration ruling in Swayman’s favor.
Swayman’s modest $1.05 million salary cap hit from last season will now be replaced by a significantly higher payout. Combined with Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit, the Bruins will bear a substantial financial burden of over $8 million for their goaltending tandem, assuming they retain both of them by opening night. This sizable investment demonstrates the team’s commitment to securing top-tier goaltending talent.
Swayman’s arbitration case marks the second goalie dispute this offseason. Ilya Samsonov of the Toronto Maple Leafs preceded him and was awarded $3.55 million on a one-year contract. This trend highlights the increasing importance and value placed on goaltenders in the NHL, with teams willing to invest significant sums to retain or acquire top talent between the pipes.
While Swayman successfully negotiated his contract, the Bruins have also made progress in other areas. They recently avoided arbitration with forward Trent Frederic by signing him to a two-year deal worth $4.6 million. Frederic, now 25 years old, will count for $2.3 million against the salary cap over the next two seasons. These signings demonstrate the team’s dedication to maintaining a competitive roster even in the wake of the retirement of longtime center Patrice Bergeron.
With the resolution of Swayman’s contract, the Bruins can confidently move forward with their goaltending plans for the upcoming season. Swayman’s impressive numbers from the previous season, combined with his potential for growth and development, make him a pivotal piece in the team’s long-term success. As the Bruins solidify their roster, fans can eagerly anticipate another exciting season on the ice.
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