Elliotte Friedman speculates Jeremy Swayman's Bruins future after agent & Cam Neely's contradicting statements

The future of Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been thrown into question after conflicting statements emerged regarding contract negotiations between the team and the restricted free agent.

During a press conference on Monday, Bruins president Cam Neely said that the team had offered Swayman an $64 million contract. However, Swayman's agent refuted Neely's claim, saying that no such offer had been made.

This contradiction has led to speculation about what's really happening behind the scenes. NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman weighed in with his perspective on Sportsnet, drawing on his own experience with a difficult contract negotiation early in his career.

Friedman explained that in his case, he had to make a choice to move past the bitter feelings from the negotiation to accept the final contract offer.

"We know Swayman wants to be a Bruin, albeit on his terms, and we’re not anywhere close to that. For the moment, however, money is secondary. Friedman said.

"During this pause, he must ask himself, 'Can I move past the bitterness of this negotiation?' If the answer is yes, he can be a Bruin. An excellent one. If the answer is no, he will flourish somewhere else," Friedman explained.

Eventually, Friedman believes that if Swayman can get past any lingering resentments, he has the talent and temperament to continue as an excellent goalie for Boston. But if he can't get beyond the bitterness, a split may be inevitable, even if Swayman would prefer to stay.

It provides an insightful perspective on Jeremy Swayman's difficult decision about his hockey future in Boston in light of the conflicting contract talks.

---

Bruins HC Jim Montgomery chooses Korpisalo as starting goalie for season opener in Jeremy Swayman's absence

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery announced Joonas Korpisalo as the likely starter for the season opener on Monday. The decision comes as Jeremy Swayman's contract situation remains unresolved.

"Right now, he's (Joonas Korpisalo) going to be our Game 1 starter," Montgomery said matter-of-factly during a press conference.

Korpisalo, fresh off a career-high 55 games with the Ottawa Senators last season, brings a mixed bag of experience to the crease. He has 21-26-4 record, coupled with a 3.27 GAA and .890 save percentage.

Bruins gear up to face the Florida Panthers in their season opener.