- The Boston Bruins traded goalie Linus Ullmark to Ottawa this summer, leaving Jeremy Swayman to take over the #1 job the two shared last season.
- Swayman then held out over a contract dispute before the season, ultimately signing a deal for $66 million over eight years.
- The 25-year-old goalie started in Boston’s home opener, leading the Bruins to a 6-4 win over Montreal with 21 saves.
The Boston Bruins made some major changes going into the NHL season, and the biggest may have been trading goalie Linus Ullmark away to Ottawa. That left the starting spot to Jeremy Swayman.
He missed the entire training camp and the preseason, because of a contract dispute. But the two sides eventually hammered out a deal, and Swayman was in goal on Thursday for the Bruins’ home opener. The 25-year-old stopped 21 shots in a 6-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
After Sharing the Net with Ullmark, Swayman Finally Takes Center Stage for the Bruins
Swayman played 44 games last season for the Bruins, while Linus Ullmark played 40. In the postseason, Swayman got the nod 12 times to two for Ullmark, who was traded to Ottawa this summer. This opened up the door for Swayman to take over the #1 spot in goal for the Bruins. But Swayman wanted a new contract and missed all of training camp, as well the postseason.
On Sunday, October 6, it was reported that Swayman signed an eight-year deal with the Bruins, worth $66 million. Swayman missed the season-opening 6-4 loss to Florida on Tuesday, but after one practice, he was back in goal for the Bruins’ home opener against Montreal.
Swayman was in fine form, stopping 21 shots in a 6-4 win for the Bruins. He looked a little rusty and nervous in the first period, and then gave up two more in the third period to make the game close. But the 111th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft gave the Bruins confidence to go forward. You’ll likely see his name among NHL player props for saves in a game this season. Swayman was yapping with the Canadiens, getting involved in scrums, and that is why the Bruins (and their fans) love him.
Elias Lindholm, who was signed in the offseason, had a goal and two assists, as did Cole Koepke. Mark Kastelic added a pair of goals for the Bruins.
How Does This Affect the Bruins’ Stanley Cup Chances?
Having Swayman back in goal is a definite boost to the Bruins’ Stanley Cup odds. Veterans Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak are back to lead the way. Marchand might take some time to get back to his best after multiple offseason surgeries. The defense has to work on some things, as was proven over the first two games. But the signing of Nikita Zadorov should bolster the back line.
Then you have Swayman in goal, and he was eighth in the 2023-24 regular season with a 2.53 goals against average. His save percentage of .916 was tied for fifth in the league. In the postseason, Swayman had a 6-6 record, but a sparking 2.15 GAA and a .933 save percentage. The Boston offense sputtered in the playoffs at times, which isn’t on Swayman.
It’ll be interesting to see how he handles being the definite #1 starter, but Swayman seems to have the mental toughness for it. If he plays well, the Bruins’ odds represent some serious value at NHL betting sites.
