Swayman's agent makes statement accusing Bruins of bad faith talks

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Liam McCormick
September 30, 2024 (5:14 PM)

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Contract negotiations between the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman seem to be breaking down in public for everyone to see.

Earlier today, Bruins president Cam Neely inferred at a press conference that Jeremy Swayman had declined a contract offer for 8 years at $8M each season. Now, Swayman's agent has released a statement refuting Neely.

Swayman's agent Lewis Gross released a statement on Instagram moments ago saying how disappointed he is to be negotiations through the media, but that they have not received an offer for 8 years and $64M. Gross continued on to say that this was «unfair» to Swayman.

Anytime a player's agent has to come out to make a statement refuting the president of the team, it's not a good sign at the status of negotiations. Gross' statement towards hints towards some hard feelings brewing on both sides, and that's they'll take a few days to re-assess the situation. If the Bruins president did tell the media they've offered a contract that isn't true, that's clearly bad faith negotiations.

Swayman is just 25 years old and has posted ridiculous stats in the crease in his 132 NHL games. Swayman has a career save percentage of .919, a 71% points percentage, and the Bruins dealt Linus Ullmark to show that he was their starting goalie. Swayman's final contract value will have a direct result on the Edmonton Oilers too, as he'll be named as a comparable for Stuart Skinner.

At the same time, hockey figure Paul Bissonette has begun hinting at a potential trade for Jeremy Swayman, naming the Detroit Red Wings as a possibility.

The Bruins are now in a tough spot heading into the regular season with one of their most important players sitting on the sidelines, and clearly not impressed with management. If the situation continues to devolve and a deal can't be reached, perhaps a blockbuster trade emerges before the beginning of the regular season.