The Boston Bruins were one of the worst teams in the NHL last season, but have been adamant they will be competitive this upcoming season.
However, if Boston decides to begin a rebuild – which likely would be smart – the Bruins do have some key trade chips. Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Bruins deal Jeremy Swayman to the Edmonton Oilers.
Bruins acquire:
- Stuart Skinner
- Matthew Savoie
- Beau Akey
- 2028 first-round pick
Oilers acquire:
- Jeremy Swayman
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Edmonton would get a franchise-changing goalie. Boston, meanwhile, gets an NHL goalie, a young forward and defenseman prospect, as well as a first-round pick.
The Bruins would acquire Skinner, who would form a tandem with Joonas Korpisalo in net. Skinner is entering the final year of his three-year, $7.8 million deal. Skinner has struggled with consistency, but he still went 26-18-4 with a 2.81 GAA and a .896 SV%.
Savoie, meanwhile, would be a middle-six forward for the Bruins and add some youth to the lineup. He was selected 9th overall in 2022. Savoie skated in 4 NHL games last season, recording 1 assist.
Along with the first-round pick, the final piece Boston would acquire Akey. Akey was a second-round pick in 2023 and could push for NHL playing time next season. He’s an offensive defenseman who would likely play in the AHL next season.
In return, the Bruins would trade Swayman, who’s one of the top goalies in the NHL. Swayman would be Edmonton’s No. 1 goalie and help solidify the position. He has seven years left on his eight-year, $66 million deal. Swayman would have to approve the trade, but if Boston is rebuilding, he would likely accept the deal. He went 22-29-7 with a 3.11 GAA and a .892 SV% last season.
Oilers ‘Poked Around’ Trading for Bruins’ Swayman
Edmonton trading for Swayman makes sense as the Oilers need to upgrade in net.
Skinner and Calvin Pickard have struggled with consistency, and Edmonton needs a true No. 1 goalie. Ahead of the NHL Draft and free agency, an NHL source told RG.org’s James Murphy that Edmonton did explore a trade for the Bruins’ star goalie.
“They weren’t the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around,” the source told RG.
However, another source told Murphy that the Bruins don’t plan to trade Swayman as they want to be competitive next season.
“Sweeney consistently said, ‘No’ or ‘Don’t bother; we’re going to sign him,’ and he made it clear how much they valued Swayman,” the source said.
Swayman helped the USA win the 2025 World Championships.
Insider: Bruins Don’t Want to Rebuild
If Boston does trade Swayman, it would signal a rebuild for the franchise.
However, after their disappointing season, Boston’s front office made it clear they expect to compete for the playoffs next season. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet also reported that the Bruins don’t want to rebuild.
“I think Boston, to me, rebuilding is not in their DNA,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts.
Despite the Bruins not wanting to rebuild, it could be forced depending on how the start of the season goes.
