What the Bruins’ cap picture looks like after Swayman’s deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It took a long time, but the Boston Bruins and goaltender Jeremy Swayman We were able to reach an agreement valued at $66 million over eight years, including an $8.25 million cap hit.
Swayman, who was the NHL’s last remaining restricted free agent, is now tied with New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin for the league’s fourth-largest goalie contract by total value and has the fifth-largest contract highest goalkeeper according to the annual average. worth.
There’s no doubt that Swayman deserved a big raise from the $3.475 million he earned last season. he is one of the 10 best goalkeepers in the league and it was him best player in his position in two rounds of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This contract raises expectations for Swayman, but it’s unlikely to faze him. It thrives on pressure and criticism.
“The ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, and I think this is the group that can do it and have a chance to do it for many years,” Swayman. he told reporters at a news conference on Sunday. “Every year I am a part of this and I will make sure it is a reality.”
So what does this contract mean for the Bruins’ salary cap situation?
Well, as of this writing, the Bruins have around $387,000 in cap space, according to PuckPedia, with 23 players on the active roster (13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders). This assumes the Bruins either waive goaltender Jiri Patera or send him to the Providence Bruins of the AHL. If goalie Brandon Bussi is sent to Providence, the B’s would have $1.16 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia. However, Bussi would need to clear waivers before being sent to Providence.
UPDATE: The Bruins placed Bussi and Patera on waivers on Sunday. according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.
After signing Swayman for $8.25 million, #NHLBruinas they have a projected cap space of $387K with 23 active players (13F/7D/3G).
This assumes Patera is waived/dismissed before the roster opens, and Bussi starts on the roster. If Bussi also resigned or resigned, $1.16 million of project cap spacehttps://t.co/gsRiHxIuQO
– PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) October 6, 2024
The Bruins may open up a little more cap space depending on which players they choose to waive or send to Providence over the next 24 hours or so. All 32 teams must submit their opening night rosters to the league by 5 p.m. ET on Monday.
Looking ahead, the Bruins are projected to have around $18 million in cap space next offseason. by PuckPedia.
However, they have several important players in the final year of their contracts who will need new deals. That list includes left wing and captain Brad Marchand, center Trent Frederic and center Morgan Geekie. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney commented on these three players earlier this week.
“I’ve had a conversation with (Frederic’s) team, 100 percent,” Sweeney said at a news conference last Monday. “You’re 100 percent right. Morgan Geekie is an RFA. I had a discussion with his team. Brad (Marchand), not to leave Brad out; a lot of discussions with Brad’s team, you know, in terms of trying to find a landing place there.
“So yeah, you know we are. We’re as proactive as possible within the parameters of the league and the collective bargaining agreement when we can talk to the players.”
Forwards John Beecher and Mark Kastelic, as well as defenseman Mason Lohrei, will also be restricted free agents next summer. Defenseman Parker Wotherspoon and Bussi will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next offseason. So the Bruins have work to do between now and next July.
The Bruins open the 2024-25 regular season Tuesday night in Florida against the Stanley Cup champion Panthers. Boston’s home opener is Thursday against rival Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden.