Jeremy Swayman stuns Bruins fans with emotional World Championship confession

Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins, Team USA, and World Championship headlines collide as the goaltender opens up about his personal struggles and rediscovers his confidence.

Swayman finds himself again while leading Team USA

Jeremy Swayman’s bounce-back tour isn’t happening in Boston—it’s unfolding on the international stage.

After a season that tested his limits, the Bruins goalie has found refuge, and maybe even redemption, wearing the Team USA sweater at the IIHF World Championship.

The transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Not only has he gone undefeated in the tournament so far, but he’s also showing fans—and maybe himself—a side that’s been missing all year.

Tensions with the Bruins set the stage for a rough start 

Last summer was supposed to be the moment Swayman secured his place as Boston’s go-to netminder.

Instead, a drawn-out contract battle kept him out of training camp and the preseason. Both sides took public shots. The relationship looked strained.

Eventually, just two days before the season began, the two sides came to terms on an eight-year, $64 million contract.

Linus Ullmark had already been dealt to the Ottawa Senators, handing Swayman the reins. But things quickly spiraled.

He struggled to find his game, finishing with a 22-29-7 record, a 3.11 goals-against average, and a .892 save percentage. Boston’s season collapsed with it.

By the trade deadline, the Bruins unloaded multiple players in a full-on fire sale, plummeting to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Swayman, now the franchise’s cornerstone, had no safety net—and the weight showed.

A candid moment from Swayman on what this tournament really means

Now overseas, away from the pressure cooker of the NHL, Swayman is playing with a lighter heart and a clearer head.

When asked if part of his reason for joining Team USA was to work through the mental toll of the year, his answer was refreshingly honest.

It was, I knew this was a great opportunity to play meaningful hockey.

At this time of year, I wanted to prove to myself that I could play a full year of a ton of games and still hold my body together and perform at a high level.

I couldn’t be more honored to play for the USA, and I’m never going to say no. It’s something I’m really prideful about.

Swayman admitted.

It’s clear this tournament isn’t just about hockey for him—it’s about hitting reset. His play shows it, but so does his demeanor. He’s visibly looser, more vocal, and reconnected with the joy that brought him to the game in the first place.

It’s an honor every time. I couldn’t be happier to be at this tournament, especially based on the year I had, I feel like a completely new human being and a completely new goalie.

The guys in this room have been so incredible for just supporting me, and it’s just been a contagious locker room of joy.

I just feel like a completely new human being.

he said.

Team USA is now preparing to face Elias Lindholm and Team Sweden in the semifinals. Swayman, riding a 5-0 record, is expected to start again.

Back in Boston, fans are watching closely.

This is the Swayman they believed in when they handed him the starting job—and the long-term contract. Confident. Energized. Connected. The difference is night and day.

If this version of Jeremy Swayman walks back into the Bruins’ locker room next fall, Boston’s rebuild—or whatever this next phase is—might not take nearly as long.