The Boston Bruins announced on Tuesday that goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been awarded a $3.475 million contract for next season through arbitration. This decision comes after a hearing held on Sunday, in which the Bruins opted for a one-year contract instead of a two-year deal. It is evident that Swayman’s performance during the previous season, particularly his contribution to the team’s success, played a significant role in the ruling.
Sharing Duties in Net
Jeremy Swayman, 24, is expected to once again share duties in goal with Linus Ullmark, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. Both Swayman and Ullmark were instrumental in the Bruins’ achievement of the William Jennings Trophy last season, leading the NHL in goals-against average. Their remarkable performances helped the Bruins set league records for wins and points. With Swayman’s improved resume, reflecting his impressive numbers from the previous season, it was only natural for his contract value to increase.
Financial Implications
While Swayman had a modest $1.05 million salary cap hit last season as a backup to Ullmark, his arbitration award, combined with Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit for the upcoming season, means the Bruins will allocate over $8 million towards their goaltending roster, assuming both players remain with the team. This allocation represents a substantial investment in the goaltending situation for the Bruins.
Ilya Samsonov and Trent Frederic
Jeremy Swayman is the second goalie this offseason to reach an arbitration hearing, following Ilya Samsonov of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Samsonov was awarded a $3.55 million one-year deal through arbitration. Additionally, the Bruins were able to avoid arbitration with forward Trent Frederic, signing him to a two-year contract worth $4.6 million. With a cap hit of $2.3 million per season, Frederic will continue to add depth to the Bruins’ lineup.
A Bright Future for Boston Bruins
Amidst the departure of veteran center Patrice Bergeron, the Boston Bruins are securing the services of promising young players like Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic. These signings demonstrate the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster for the future. With a strong goaltending duo and talented players across their lineup, the Bruins are well-positioned to continue their success in the upcoming season.
Jeremy Swayman’s arbitration ruling solidifies his role as a key player on the Boston Bruins roster. With his increased contract value, the Bruins are making a significant financial investment in their goaltending situation. While Swayman shares duties with Linus Ullmark, both players have proven their worth, contributing to the team’s achievements in the previous season. By securing the services of young players like Swayman and Frederic, the Bruins are laying the foundation for future success. As they navigate the changing landscape of their roster, the Boston Bruins remain a formidable force in the NHL.
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