NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman speculates Boston Bruins' hesitancy to commit to big Jeremy Swayman extension

With NHL training camp is a week away, Boston Bruins starting goaltender Jeremy Swayman remains without a contract extension. There has been much speculation about why Swayman still doesn't have a new deal in place.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman offered his perspective on the situation during his 32 Thoughts podcast. As per his analysis, the delay is primarily due to Swaymans experience with just 132 NHL games played. As Friedman put it:

"The guy is super talented. He's gonna be a star. Nobody disputes that, but he thinks what the Bruins are saying is, 'we do believe in Jeremy Swayman, but he hasn't carried the full load yet.' And that's why he believes they are hesitant to commit."

Swayman has only had three full NHL seasons, with last year being the first time he started over 44 games, while splitting time with Linus Ullmark.

Earlier, in negotiations, there was apparently an eight-year offer on the table, of around $6 million AAV. While the Bruins handed out big deals to Charlie McAvoy ($9.5 million AAV) and David Pastrňák ($11.25 million AAV), they seem hesitant to do likewise for Swayman.

As Friedman noted:

"You've got a team that believes in its position, and you've got a player that believes in his position."

Swayman's leverage comes from the fact that the Bruins traded away Ullmark.

Friedman believes the Bruins want to see Swayman shoulder the full starter's workload before committing to a long-term extension.

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Bruins cut off communication with Jeremy Swayman

The Boston Bruins have apparently cut off communication with young goaltender Jeremy Swayman, according to Spittin' Chiclets host Ryan Whitney.

Whitney said that the Bruins haven't responded to or returned Swayman's calls for three weeks now.

“Apparently the Bruins have not contacted or returned Swayman's calls in three weeks. ... And if their offer is four years X6.2, after you traded your other stud goalie. That's the funniest things I ever heard." Ryan Whitney said.

That comes after the Bruins traded away veteran goalie Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, leaving Swayman as their presumed starter for the upcoming season.

In the last season, Swayman showcased impressive statistics for Boston, boasting a 2.34 goals against average and a.919 save percentage.