Bruins Goalie Jeremy Swayman Returns from Contract Stalemate

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Jeremy Swayman could potentially be the starting goalie for the Boston Bruins as they face off against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in their season opener on Tuesday night. This comes after Swayman signed an eight-year, $66 million contract with the team on Sunday, resolving a prolonged contract stalemate.

In a practice session held on Monday, Swayman hit the ice alongside his teammates for the first time since the conclusion of his contract negotiations. Despite missing the entirety of the Bruins’ training camp, the 25-year-old goalie expressed confidence in his readiness. “I feel ready to play,” Swayman commented during the session. “I had a great trainer at Boston University during the training camp.”

Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery has yet to confirm whether Swayman or Joonas Korpisalo will start in goal for the Panthers match-up. “They know who’s playing,” Montgomery ambiguously stated. Korpisalo reportedly was the first goaltender off the ice during the team’s morning skate.

Swayman’s return sees him stepping into the No. 1 goalie position, a role vacated by Linus Ullmark who was traded to the Ottawa Senators. “Whether he starts Tuesday or not, Swayman will be relied upon as the clear No.1, marking a significant milestone in his NHL career,” said Montgomery.

The Bruins warmly welcomed Swayman back. According to the team tradition, players on the ice marked his return by banging their sticks rhythmically while Swayman skated a full lap around the sheet, which he described as “the fastest lap I’ve ever clocked.”

Teammate David Pastrnak echoed the sentiment of camaraderie, saying, “It’s good to have him back. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy process for him missing out so much.” Pastrnak and other players maintained close contact with Swayman during the contract negotiations, offering their support as negotiations became public and occasionally contentious.

Swayman’s contract renewal has heightened expectations from both the team’s management and fans. Speaking on the matter, Swayman expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It’s a breath of fresh air, and I don’t take it lightly. I feel like I’m the luckiest human in the world.”

Montgomery and the team will soon decide if Swayman’s return will begin with him in the net as the Bruins aim to start the season strongly against the Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

This report included contributions from NHL.com independent correspondent George Richards.