Jeremy Swayman, who hadn’t previously been considering a trade from the Boston Bruins, may now be rethinking his position. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, speculation surged after Bruins President Cam Neely made a public comment, saying, “I have 64 million reasons why I’d be playing right now.” This led many to believe Swayman might formally request a trade, signaling that he could be seriously weighing his options.
Neely’s public remarks, seemingly aimed at pressuring Swayman, may have backfired. Friedman further explained that how Swayman feels in the next 24 to 48 hours could be crucial in determining the future of his relationship with the Bruins.
What’s shaking with Swayman?https://t.co/vwnEgpDAl0
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 1, 2024
If Swayman can move past the emotional reaction and return to negotiations, the situation could be salvaged. However, if he feels this is the second time the organization has mistreated him, a trade request may be on the horizon.
Swayman previously expressed a desire to stay in Boston, but Neely’s public comments may have changed his stance. The two parties are reportedly far apart in their contract negotiations, and taking those discussions public has only complicated matters.
Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, clarified that the $64 million Neely mentioned was never officially offered. Gross suggested the Bruins may have come close, with an offer in the $60-62 million range, but it wasn’t the number itself that upset Swayman’s camp—it was the fact that it was mentioned at all, which has caused some fans to turn against the goalie.
While the Bruins initially denied any intention to trade Swayman, recent developments, especially with this public fallout, could change that. Friedman also reminded that, as an unsigned free agent, other teams are allowed to negotiate with Swayman and may already be willing to meet his asking price.
