Bruins Must Trade Certain Players to Retain Jeremy Swayman
PUBLICATION
Dorin Canaday
March 27, 2023 (10:16 PM)
Though Don Sweeney isn't concerned just yet, he faces a crucial decision about Boston's goaltending future and the necessary steps to retain Jeremy Swayman.
At 24 years old, Swayman will become a restricted free agent when the season concludes, leaving the Bruins with two goalies who both merit starting positions in the NHL.
Competing for Limited Roster Spots
In addition to Swayman, Trent Frederic and Jakub Lauko will also be RFAs. Meanwhile, eight players will become UFAs, such as Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and newcomers Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi.
Must read on Bruins Latest
As Adam Gretz recently discussed in an article for Bleacher Report, the team may be forced to pick between their two exceptional goaltenders
''The big question with the Bruins is going to be what they do with goalie Jeremy Swayman. Swayman is a pending restricted free agent and will be due a significant raise. He and Linus Ullmark have formed one of the best goalie duos in the league this season, and the Bruins would no doubt love to keep that going.''
‘'But Swayman will not be cheap. Ullmark already makes $5 million, and they have limited cap space to fill out the rest of their roster. It all comes down to how much the Bruins want to invest in their goalie duo and what sacrifices they want to make elsewhere on the roster.''
Which Players May Be Relocated?
Numerous players are rumored to be "on the block" for the upcoming offseason, and as Fluto Shinzawa from The Athletic revealed, the team might have to face some difficult farewells.
''The Bruins would most likely have to move money. Grzelcyk and Forbort may be in play in this scenario as well. The Bruins may also have to consider the future of Hall, who is under contract through 2025 at $6 million annually. Hall, 31, has partial no-trade protection.''
Alternatively, Sweeney may consider trading Ullmark if he envisions Swayman as the future goaltender. His value may never be as high as it currently is with a probable Vezina Trophy in his near future.
Sacrificing any of these players would be tough, but that is an inherent aspect of the sports industry's business side.
In a perfect scenario, the Bruins would prefer retaining both Ullmark and Swayman; however, the league's most cherished friendship might need to end. Both goaltenders deserve to be NHL starters, but maintaining the pair in Boston could be financially challenging
Previously on Bruins Latest
| POLL |
27 MARS | 196 ANSWERS Bruins Must Trade Certain Players to Retain Jeremy Swayman Which goaltender should the Bruins keep? |
| Forbort | 9 | 4.6 % |
| Hall | 12 | 6.1 % |
| Grzelcyk | 10 | 5.1 % |
| Ullmark | 165 | 84.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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