The Boston Bruins are facing a key decision with their young goalie, Jeremy Swayman, who will be a restricted free agent after this season.
Swayman has split time with Linus Ullmark but now wants to be paid as one of the league's top goalies. His performance, with a record of 31-15-9 this year, supports his case for a big contract.
Swayman has been reliable since his NHL debut in 2020-2021, with strong stats and solid playoff performances. The shared workload with Ullmark has helped maintain high performance levels, but Swayman has also shown he can be a starter during the last playoffs run.
The Bruins goaltending situation is uncertain with rumors of Ullmark's possible departure and the rise of Brandon Bussi in the AHL. General Manager Don Sweeney has several options like offering Swayman a long-term or bridge deal, trading Ullmark, or leveraging their prospects.
Comparing Swayman to top goalies like Connor Hellebuyck sets a high bar, but his potential makes him valuable. The Bruins need to balance their salary cap and team needs while negotiating Swayman's contract. Whether they go for a long-term deal or a shorter-term agreement, keeping Swayman will be crucial for the team's future success.
