This Is Why The Bruins Should Sign Swayman To A One-Year Deal
The Boston Bruins are facing critical decisions regarding their roster as the offseason unfolds. With ten players set to hit free agency, the Bruins must carefully select whom to retain, making young goaltender Jeremy Swayman a top priority. Managing salary cap constraints poses a challenge for the Bruins, as the cap has only increased by a mere one million dollars to reach $83.5 million. However, a potential solution exists to keep Swayman in Boston without burdening the salary cap.
General Manager Don Sweeney and the Bruins' management should strongly consider offering Jeremy Swayman a one-year bridge deal, offering him less than market value. This approach would enable Swayman to be compensated more generously in the subsequent season when the salary cap rises to $87.5 million in 2024-25 and then further to $92 million the following year.
The benefits for Swayman would be significant. In the upcoming season, he would earn between $1 million and $2 million, with potential bonuses, before cashing in on a much more substantial contract the following year. By signing a long-term deal in the future, Swayman stands to secure a higher earning potential. If he continues to perform at his current trajectory, he could potentially exceed expectations and command a contract worth even more.
Considering the market value of young goalies such as Jake Oettinger, Carter Hart, and Spencer Knight, who earn around four million per year on their bridge deals, it becomes clear that Swayman could negotiate a deal upward of $5 million annually or potentially more with the cap trending upward. Given Swayman's promising career path, such a contract would undoubtedly be justified.
This strategy would be a wise move for Swayman, allowing him to accept a short-term sacrifice in exchange for long-term gains. Hypothetically, he could secure another lucrative deal at the age of 25 and potentially a further substantial contract around the age of 30, depending on the terms of the initial agreement.
The Bruins would also reap benefits from this arrangement, both in the short and long term. By securing their goaltending duo at a rate below market value, they would enjoy increased flexibility under the salary cap, affording them additional opportunities to retain another key player from their record-breaking roster.
Every dollar becomes crucial for the Bruins in the upcoming season, as a few million can make a difference in acquiring an experienced depth forward versus relying on a young prospect to assume significant minutes. Given the emergence of untested prospects within the Bruins' ranks, having the financial means to integrate a veteran player into the mix would be advantageous.
As seen on: Blackngoldhockey
| POLL | ||
Do you think Swayman will do this? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 66.7 % |
| No | 13 | 33.3 % |
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