Bruins Need This From Jeremy Swayman Next Season

Like many players on the Boston Bruins, Jeremy Swayman struggled mightily during the 2024-25 season. In his first campaign as the Bruins' full-time starting goalie, the 26-year-old posted a 22-29-7 record, a 3.11 goals-against average, and a .892 save percentage in 58 games. He also had 11 appearances where he allowed at least five goals, so there is no question that it was a year to forget for the Anchorage, Alaska native.

Swayman's shaky 2024-25 campaign came after the 2017 fourth-round pick signed an eight-year, $66 million contract with the Bruins right at the start of the season. This was after a long off-season of negotiations, which memorably led to some public tense moments. Both sides were eventually able to get something done, but it is clear that Swayman was ice-cold in his first year having a $8.25 million average annual value.

Thankfully, next season will offer Swayman a clean slate. The Bruins undoubtedly need No. 1 to have a major bounce-back season and be the star he is capable of being if they hope to have any chance of getting back into the playoffs next year. Furthermore, with Swayman being paid like a top goalie, the Bruins need him to regain his elite form.

When looking at Swayman's previous seasons before his nightmare 2024-25 campaign, there is clear reason to believe that he can get things back on track. Before this year, Swayman had a .914 save percentage or better in each of his first four NHL seasons. He also had a 2.53 goals-against average or lower in his first four campaigns, so he has the ability to be a serious difference-maker when playing at his best. Now that he won't be dealing with a summer of negotiations and distractions, it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back in 2025-26.

Swayman has the talent to bounce back, and the Bruins certainly need him to. Time will tell if he will do just that next season.

Bruins Have Clear Decision To Make With Soaring Goalie

The Boston Bruins are entering the off-season with plenty of players on expired deals. One of the most interesting pending unrestricted free agents the Bruins have is goaltender Michael DiPietro.

DiPietro raised his value in the Bruins' system this season by putting together a fantastic 2024-25 campaign with the Providence Bruins. In 40 regular-season games with the AHL squad, he posted a 26-8-5 record, a .927 save percentage, and a 2.05 goals-against average. With strong numbers like these, the 25-year-old won the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Trophy as the AHL's top goalie and was named to the First All-Star Team. 

Given how wonderfully DiPietro performed in the AHL this season, it is quite clear that the Bruins should work hard to re-sign him. The Windsor, Ontario native showed great promise in the AHL this campaign and could provide Boston with a cheaper backup goalie option than potential off-season trade candidate Joonas Korpisalo.

With how poorly the Bruins' 2024-25 season went, their goal should be to keep their young talent around, so re-signing DiPietro would be wise for them. At worst, he would continue to be a serviceable goalie depth option for them, but the 2017 third-round pick could be more if given a shot in the NHL by the Bruins. 

Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see if the Bruins can find a way to keep DiPietro around. However, if he hits the market on July 1 as a UFA, he should generate interest around the league after his impressive AHL campaign.