Jeremy Swayman to Maple Leafs? 3 mock trades for Bruins goalie after contract talks take unexpected turn

The contract stalemate between RFA goaltender Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins has reached a new impasse.

During the Bruins’ beginning-of-year media availability, team president Cam Neely let the cat out of the bag by hinting at the dollar amount the club had offered Swayman. ESPN quoted Neely regarding the contract offer:

"I don't want to get into the weeds with what his ask is, but I know that I have 64 million reasons why I'd be playing right now."

The comments prompted Jeremy Swayman’s agent Lewis Gross to publicly admonish Boston for their comments referring to an ongoing negotiation. As such, it seems the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman may have no choice but to part ways.

So, here’s a look at three potential mock trades involving Jeremy Swayman after contract talks took an unexpected turn.

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Three probable deals for Jeremy Swayman after contract talks take unexpected turn

#3 Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche have long been rumored to have the inside track on Jeremy Swayman.

Alexandar Georgiev, the Avs’ current starter, is entering the final year of his current deal. With the heir apparent Justus Annunen waiting in the wings, the Avs could roll out a 1A-1B situation, with Annunen and Swayman sharing the crease.

However, the goal would be for Swayman to take over the full-time job as the No. 1 goaltender. Perhaps the Avs could send Annunen to the Bruins and let Georgiev walk in free agency. Moreover, a roster player like Samuel Girard has also been linked as a part of the deal.

Ultimately, the Avs may not have to pay very much to get Swayman. Again, the Sens didn’t back up the Brinks truck for Ullmark. So, there’s plenty of reason to believe that the Avs could get Swayman at a much lower price.

#2 Pittsburgh Penguins

If there’s anyone who could pull off a deal like this, it’s Kyle Dubas. His creativity could help get the Pittsburgh Penguins a legitimate No. 1 goalie like primetime Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Pens don’t have much in the way of prospect capital. So, Tristan Jarry and perhaps draft picks could get the deal done. Then, the Pens would need to figure out the cap space for Swayman.

However, after Sidney Crosby took a team-friendly contract extension, the Pens may just have just enough wiggle room to make the deal work.

#1 Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have long lacked an elite-level goaltender. In fact, the last time the Leafs had an elite-level goaltending prospect, the club traded him to the Boston Bruins (Tuukka Rask).

Now, with the Leafs still in need of a legitimate No. 1 netminder, the possibility of acquiring Jeremy Swayman could be too good to pass up.

The deal would most likely involve Joseph Woll and something else to sweeten the deal: perhaps a roster play like Nick Robertson or a combination of draft picks. Judging from what the Ottawa Senators gave up for Linus Ullmark, a conditional first-round pick could get the job done.