What About Those Swayman Trade Rumors?

Jeremy Swayman’s name has been swirling in trade rumors lately, but are these discussions truly warranted? While speculation is natural in the NHL, the idea that the Boston Bruins are actively looking to move their young goaltender seems premature. Let’s break down why the Bruins are unlikely to trade Swayman anytime soon.

1. The Bruins’ Goaltending Situation

Boston’s goaltending has been a bright spot in recent years, even amid a disappointing 2024-25 season. Swayman, despite struggling at times, remains a highly capable netminder with significant upside. The Bruins already moved Linus Ullmark to Ottawa in a salary-cap clearing trade, leaving Swayman as their primary starter. Trading him now would create a major void in net, forcing Boston to scramble for a replacement in a market that lacks elite goaltending options.

2. Contract Stability

Swayman signed an eight-year, $66 million contract, which suggests the Bruins view him as a long-term piece. His deal includes a no-movement clause starting in 2026-27, meaning Boston has a window to trade him before that kicks in. However, just because they can trade him doesn’t mean they will. The Bruins committed to Swayman financially, and moving him so soon after signing him would be an admission that they miscalculated his value—something teams rarely do unless absolutely necessary.

3. Market Conditions

The NHL’s goalie market is weak this year, with few high-end options available in free agency. If Boston were to trade Swayman, they’d need a viable replacement, and that’s easier said than done. The teams reportedly interested—Carolina, Chicago, Detroit, Edmonton, Philadelphia, and Utah—are all in need of goaltending help. But unless Boston receives a massive return, moving Swayman would be a lateral move at best and a downgrade at worst.

4. The Bruins’ Offseason Priorities

Boston’s front office is focused on adding a top-six scoring winger, not subtracting from their goaltending depth. Names like Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers have been floated as potential trade targets. If the Bruins are making big moves, they’re more likely to involve forwards than their starting goalie. The team has nearly $29 million in projected cap space, giving them flexibility to improve without needing to trade Swayman.

5. Swayman’s Performance: A Temporary Setback?

Swayman’s 2024-25 season was his worst statistically, but was it truly indicative of his future trajectory? His struggles stemmed from an extensive contract negotiation that spilled into training camp, disrupting his rhythm – among other things. A full offseason to reset could be exactly what he needs. The Bruins may prefer to see how he rebounds rather than selling low on a player they once viewed as their franchise goalie.

6. Elliotte Friedman’s Speculation vs. Reality

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has suggested that teams may inquire about Swayman’s availability. However, speculation doesn’t equal action. Just because teams are interested doesn’t mean Boston is actively shopping him. The Bruins’ front office has given no indication that they’re looking to move Swayman, and until they do, these rumors remain just that—rumors.

Conclusion

While trade speculation is inevitable, the idea that Boston is ready to move Jeremy Swayman seems premature. His contract, the team’s offseason priorities, and the weak goalie market all suggest that he’ll remain in Boston for the foreseeable future. Unless the Bruins receive an offer they can’t refuse, expect Swayman to be between the pipes when the 2025-26 season begins.