The behind-the-scenes drama in New England continues to be brought to light.
During his media availability on Monday, Boston Bruins president Cam Neely discussed the ongoing negotiations between the team and goaltender Jeremy Swayman, hinting at what the Bruins allegedly offered the young netminder.
“I don’t know about him,” Neely said. “But I have 64 million reasons why I’d be playing.”
Neely also believes that Swayman is trying to “reset the goalie market.”
However, according to Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, the proposed $64 million is a farce. Later in the day, the SPM Sports employee released a statement explaining that such an offer was never made.
“$64 million was referenced,” Gross said. “This was the first time that number was discussed in our negotiations. Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level.”
Gross also explained that he does not usually discuss contracts openly with the public. However, the unique circumstances forced him to speak up and defend Swayman.
“We are extremely disappointed. This was not fair to Jeremy. We will take a few days to discuss where we go from here.”
Swayman did not report to training camp as he has yet to sign a contract with the Bruins.
Team CEO Charlie Jacobs, son of owner Jeremy Jacobs, stated on Monday that the Bruins are to do right by Swayman, while also keeping the team’s best interest in mind.
“I certainly don’t begrudge somebody for a big paycheck,” Jacobs said. “We’re writing a big one ourselves to make sure we have a winning club on the ice.”
Jacobs also stated that there is no lack of conversation between the Bruins and Swayman and Gross.
“I want to be very clear we are in a state of constant communication regarding Jeremy, and it’s our hope that he’s on the ice as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, the Bruins have start focusing on a world without Swayman for the time being. Head coach Jim Montgomery revealed that the team is preparing for Joonas Korpisalo to be the No. 1 goaltender when Boston kicks off the 2024-25 season on Oct. 8 against the Florida Panthers.
Korpisalo, along with Marc Kastelic, was acquired by the Bruins this past offseason in the deal that sent Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. The idea was that the veteran netminder would provide solid backup minutes behind Swayman this year—not the case anymore.
