Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman has reflected on his experience with the arbitration process last summer, stating that it had a significant impact on him.
During an appearance on the “Shut Up Marc Podcast,” Swayman described the arbitration process as “scary” and expressed his frustrations.
Swayman explained, “If you were to ask me that question a year ago, I would answer truthfully, and I would say it’s scary.” He elaborated, “It’s a lot of resentment towards people that want you to succeed, and when you’re not getting compensated for your endless efforts and doing what you do best, it’s a nerve-wracking feeling. Because it’s your family you’re fighting for.”
Last year, Swayman was awarded a one-year, $3.48-million contract through arbitration. As a restricted free agent again in 2024, Swayman is in a strong position for a more lucrative deal. He solidified his role as the Bruins’ No. 1 goaltender last season, and with Boston having over $8 million in cap space, the team traded goaltender Linus Ullmark over the summer.
Swayman noted, “And the answer I’m going to give you this year is that I’ve educated myself and that I understand the business side of it all.” He added, “It’s given me a complete new mindset of understanding the business and how to react to it. I understand the cap is going up, and where it will be in years. I understand my comparables, and how I can’t ruin the goalie market for other guys that are going to be in my shoes down the line.”
Both Swayman and Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery have expressed optimism about reaching a new deal before training camp begins in September.
Swayman, who was drafted by Boston in the fourth round in 2017, had an impressive season, posting a .916 save percentage in 44 regular-season games. He performed even better in the playoffs with a .933 save percentage before the Bruins were eliminated in the second round by the Florida Panthers. Swayman made his NHL debut during the 2020-21 season.
