Jeremy Swayman Awarded $3.475 Million Through Arbitration Jeremy Swayman Awarded $3.475 Million Through Arbitration

Boston Bruins’ goaltender Jeremy Swayman has emerged victorious in arbitration, securing a contract worth $3.475 million for the upcoming season. The announcement came from the team on Tuesday, following a hearing between Swayman and the Bruins on Sunday. In an unexpected move, the organization opted for a one-year contract instead of the usual two.

Sharing Duties with Linus Ullmark

Swayman, 24, is expected to continue sharing goaltending duties with Linus Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy last season. In fact, both Swayman and Ullmark were jointly awarded the William Jennings Trophy for leading the NHL in goals-against average. The Bruins had a phenomenal season, setting league records for wins and points.

Improved Resume and Financial Implications

The decision to award Swayman with such a substantial contract was greatly influenced by his impressive performance last season and the team’s overall success. Notably, Swayman had a modest salary cap hit of $1.05 million as a backup to Ullmark. However, with Ullmark’s upcoming $5 million cap hit, the Bruins now face a combined goaltending expense of over $8 million.

Arbitration Landscape for Goalies

Swayman’s arbitration hearing made him the second goalie this offseason to experience such a process. Ilya Samsonov of the Toronto Maple Leafs was the first, ultimately being awarded $3.55 million on a one-year deal. These arbitration cases highlight the evolving dynamics and financial considerations in the goaltending market.

Contract Concerns Resolved

In addition to securing Swayman’s contract, the Bruins successfully avoided arbitration with forward Trent Frederic, signing him to a two-year deal worth $4.6 million. Frederic, 25, will have a $2.3 million cap hit in each of the next two seasons. These signings provide some stability to the team following the retirement of longtime center Patrice Bergeron.

With Swayman and Frederic secured, the Boston Bruins can now focus on building a strong roster for the upcoming season. The goaltending duo of Swayman and Ullmark promises to be formidable, and their performances will be crucial in the team’s pursuit of further success. The organization’s bold decision to opt for a one-year contract with Swayman indicates their faith in his abilities and leaves room for future negotiations.