This morning, during the start-of-season press conference, Charlie Jacobs, Cam Neely, Don Sweeney, and Jim Montgomery took to the podium to give their remarks about the upcoming season and to answer questions from the media. To the surprise of none, Jeremy Swayman’s contract was a hot topic.
During the Q&A, a reporter asked Neely to share some specifics on what Swayman’s ask is for dollars and term. Neely’s response: “Well, I don’t want to get into the weeds with what his ask is, but I know that I have 64 million reasons why I’d be playing right now.”
Neely also had a chance to comment on Swayman’s goal to reset the contracts in the goalie market.
Neely: “I do. Yeah, I do. Just what his ask is, and what we believe his comp group is, are two different things.”
The offseason has been filled with changes in net and an unfortunate contract negotiation with Jeremy Swayman, which is continuing to spiral in the media. Previous to Neely’s comments today, Jeremy Swayman and Don Sweeney both made comments in the media that made waves.
With Swayman seemingly digging in on his hopes for a massive raise and the Bruins taking their negotiating to the public forum, it will be interesting to see where the contract negotiations will head. Is the team hoping the court of public approval turns on Swayman to help their negotiations?
“Well, I think our staff has done a really good job of recognizing the players that are here and that that’s where the focus has been. And you know, Bob Essensa has worked, as I referenced early in camp, that he would work extensively with all of our goaltenders, but he feels comfortable with the work thus far that [Joonas] Korpisalo has put in, the game that he’s played thus far and Monty will probably comment further in terms of what his plans and decisions will be moving forward. I mean, we’re getting late enough into camp that it’s unlikely that Jeremy would be in a position. But, you know, today’s a new day to continue to have a discussion and hopefully bridge the gaps that still exist.”
– Don Sweeney re: Swayman unsigned as Camp dwindles
It remains to be seen how long the contract disputes will continue, but December 1st seems to be a realistic expectation with the organization’s comments.
