Jeremy Swayman drops heartfelt 2-word reaction to throwback picture of on-ice hug with Senators' Linus Ullmark

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman highlighted his close friendship with Linus Ullmark with a special reaction to a social media post. They were teammates from 2021-24 with the Bruins before Ullmark was traded to the Ottawa Senators in June.

Swayman showed that his bond with him was still as strong as ever by adding a two-word caption to an Instagram post of a photo of them hugging on the ice.

“Big Hug,” Swayman wrote on Tuesday.

Swayman and Ullmark sharing one of their famous hugs. (Credit: IG/@jswayman1)

Swayman and Ullmark became famous for their celebratory postgame hugs when they were teammates. The duo shared netminding duties for the Bruins and maintained a consistently high level of play for the three seasons. In 2022-23, Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender in the NHL and his combination with Swayman led to the Bruins having the league’s best save percentage (.929).

The duo were joint winners of the William M. Jennings Award, won by the goalie or goalies of a team that allows the fewest goals in the regular season.

Their friendship also extended off the ice. In 2022, they started a tradition of dressing up as Santa Claus to surprise each other’s kids. The following year, Swayman donned the red suit and white beard and shared a memorable morning at Ullmark’s house. Ullmark shared pics of the occasion on Instagram.

"Swaynta Clause, making core memories wherever he goes. Our family’s favorite tradition nowadays! 🎅🏼❤️ Thankful for this wonderful person. Love you kompis!" Ullmark captioned.

Ullmark and Swayman have only faced off against each other once this season. They kept their tradition of sharing a postgame hug alive during the game in November despite no longer being teammates.

Linus Ullmark’s kids welcomed Jeremy Swayman to Ottawa

On Saturday, Linus Ullmark’s son Harry had a special welcome to Ottawa planned for his Uncle Sway. Before the game at Canadian Tire Centre, he held up welcome signs for Jeremy Swayman.

“Hej Uncle Sway” and “We miss you,” the signs read.

Ullmark, who is on the injured reserve for the Senators, also brought his son to the rinkside gate to meet Swayman, who was warming up for the game. Swayman gave the puck he was practicing with to Harry and the two shared a fist bump and a hug.

Ottawa won 6-5 via a penalty shootout.