3 reasons why Boston Bruins should not have signed Jeremy Swayman to 8-year/$66M extension

Netminder Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins have agreed to an eight-year $66 million extension following tense contract negotiations during the offseason. Talks appeared to hit a standstill earlier in training camp when Bruins’ president Cam Neely inadvertently hinted at the number in question.

However, all of those tense moments appear to be in the past, with Swayman now officially back in the fold in Beantown. Despite the good news for Boston Bruins fans, there are three key reasons why the Bruins should not have signed Jeremy Swayman to a massive extension.

Here’s a look at these reasons in closer detail:

3 reasons why Boston Bruins should not have signed Jeremy Swayman to an extension

#3. Swayman lacks any notable achievements

When looking at the list of top NHL netminders, goalies such as Connor Hellebuyck, Igor Shesterkin, Sergei Bobrovsky, or Andrei Vasilevsky, a number of achievements stand out: Stanley Cups, Vezina Trophies, Conn Smythe awards, and even Hart Trophy nominations.

Swayman has none of that. While there is no denying Swayman’s talent, he won’t be able to justify his paycheck until he has some or all of those accolades. In the meantime, Swayman will need to prove he’s one of the league’s best goaltenders.

#2. The Bruins nearly maxed out available cap space

With the signing, the Boston Bruins now have just a shade under $2 million in available cap space. While that’s much more than most teams, the fact is that maxing out cap space on Jeremy Swayman’s new deal complicates any potential additions, if needed.

In particular, this situation may become an issue at the trade deadline. The Bruins may have issues pulling off deals because of the lack of cap space usually needed to maneuver, depending on the team’s needs. Ultimately, this situation could significantly limit what the Bruins may be able to do this season.

#1. There is risk the deal won’t work out

As mentioned earlier, Jeremy Swayman is not a proven number-one goaltender, at least not now. So, there is always the risk the deal won’t work out, leaving the Bruins with a significant cap hit and an untradeable contract.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that Swayman elevates his game and makes the contract look like a steal. But unless Swayman actually does that, there will always be criticism surrounding his ability to live up to the deal.

In the end, Swayman will need to lead the Bruins on a deep playoff run, in addition to winning awards, to make this current contract extension worthwhile.