Paul Bissonnette shocked by Jeremy Swayman's rumored $10M demand
As August ends, the Boston Bruins must finalize Jeremy Swayman's contract. He is still unsigned as a restricted free agent and is reportedly asking for around $10 million per year. The Bruins have only $8.6 million in cap space, and the gap has led to debate.
NHL insider Paul Bissonnette took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his surprise.
"Am I crazy or or should the Bruins & Swayman just grab lunch at Nobu on the Jacobs credit card and stop with the off season drama? If this goes into the season what a joke," Bissonnette wrote on X.
Bissonnette also criticized the gap between Swayman’s demand and the team’s cap space, writing:
"F**k off actually? I heard mcavoy deal was ask. He shouldn’t get 9.5m. He should get 8.5m max. Restricted and shared the net the last 2 seasons. That’s a healthy payday for a guy surrounded by a lot of help to provide that security for 8 years at that amount. We’re talking a difference of 4 million after tax dollars. 38m compared to 34m. Peanuts. No difference in lifestyle change."
Swayman is now more focused on finding a fair deal and not setting a bad precedent for future goaltenders.
Jeremy Swayman talks contract negotiations and his future with the Bruins
In the Aug. 26 episode of "Shut Up Marc Podcast," Jeremy Swayman discussed the ongoing contract negotiations. He admitted that last year’s talks were stressful and frustrating and said:
“If you were to ask me that same question a year ago, I would answer truthfully. And I would say, ‘It’s scary. It’s a lot of resentment toward people that want you to succeed.' And when you’re not being compensated for your endless efforts and doing what you do best, it’s a nerve-racking feeling because it’s your family that you’re fighting for.”
Swayman's previous contract was worth $3.475 million. He believes that was too low and won’t accept a similar offer now. With training camp starting in three weeks, there is still time to reach an agreement. Swayman wants to stay with the Bruins but is holding out for a deal that matches his value.
Also read: 3 reasons why Boston Bruins should not give into Jeremy Swayman's reported $10M demand