(Boston) Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed that goaltender Jeremy Swayman will not be on the ice Thursday, the first day of training camp.
Published at 7:36 p.m.
Jimmy Golen
Associated Press
Sweeney said at the end of last season that his priority was to reach a new deal with his number one goalie.
“He chose to wait, rightly so, until we come to an agreement,” the Bruins GM said. “We intend to continue to negotiate. I’m disappointed that we haven’t been able to resolve this yet.”
Sweeney added that captain Brad Marchand, who had surgery on his elbow and groin, will not be ready for the start of camp. He is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener on Oct. 8.
Marchand played in all 82 games for the Bruins last season, but missed two playoff games after being hit by Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers.
“We’re not worried about Brad,” Sweeney said. “We just want him to be fully healed (before playing).”
After serving as Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark’s second in command in 2022-23, Swayman was unable to reach a long-term agreement with the organization.
His case went to arbitration and he signed a one-year contract worth US$3.475 billion.
“I never want to have to do that again,” Swayman said of officiating.
The 25-year-old goalie must sign with the Bruins before the 1er December, otherwise he will not be able to play in 2024-2025.
“Every day that Jeremy is out hurts our team and hurts him, because of the preparation that we would like to do and that he has to do,” Sweeney said.
“I have to continue to do my job. I have to respect the position that Jeremy and his team have taken and continue to try to find common ground.
“I am nevertheless optimistic, because I think that we will reach an agreement before the 1ster December. ”
Swayman shared the net with Ullmark last year, making 43 regular-season starts. He posted a 2.53 GAA.
He was the team’s No. 1 goalie in the playoffs, but Boston was defeated in the second round by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Panthers.
Ullmark was traded to Ottawa last June for their 2024 first-round draft pick, forward Mark Kastelic and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.
If Swayman doesn’t sign a contract by the start of the season, the Bruins could bring in Brandon Bussi as their second goalie.
The 26-year-old played 41 games with the Providence Bruins last season in the American League.
