Tensions are escalating in Boston, and the Bruins are aware of it. The team is actively preparing for a potential future without Jeremy Swayman, at least in the short-to-mid-term, as contract negotiations with the 24-year-old goalie remain stalled. Still feeling the sting from a difficult arbitration process, Swayman is standing firm on his terms, unwilling to settle for a deal he doesn’t find fair. According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, Swayman uses past slights as fuel for motivation and is known for having a long memory.
In response, the Bruins have started taking measures to address the situation. On Thursday, they signed veteran goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo to a professional tryout contract (PTO), adding him to a group of depth options that includes Brandon Bussi and Ryan Bischel. This move is part of the team’s contingency plan should the standoff with Swayman continue. Notably absent from this group is Joonas Korpisalo, who was acquired earlier this offseason in a trade that sent Linus Ullmark to Ottawa and is now set to take over as the Bruins’ starting goaltender if the impasse with Swayman persists.
Korpisalo commented on the situation, saying that while he acknowledges Swayman’s talent, his own focus remains on doing his job as Boston’s number one goalie if needed.
