The Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman are locked in a staredown to see who will cave first in contract negotiations. Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has stated that the team is willing to go to the December 1 deadline and does not seem to be budging on the offer that was given to the 25-year-old netminder. Reports are that Swayman wants north of $9 million per year and wants to set the goalie market for future deals with goaltenders. It is believed that Boston is hesitant to give Swayman more than $8 million per season. The rubber will meet the road at some point soon, but until then, the Bruins will need to rely on Joonas Korpisalo and a young goalie to handle the backstop duties. Korpisalo should be able to handle the load, but can a goalie prospect step up and be the backup? After two preseason games, the jury is still out.
Brandon Bussi would seem to have the inside track on the second goalie job, but his play has been underwhelming so far in the preseason. In the first exhibition game versus the New York Rangers, Bussi allowed two goals on 12 shots and would probably like to have both of them back. One of the concerns with Bussi’s play is his rebound control. Being able to thwart an opponent’s attack by tying up the puck is something that the 26-year-old goalie will need to work on with Bruins’ Goalie Coach Bob Essensa. In Thursday’s 5-2 loss to the Rangers, Bussi allowed four goals, three in the first period, and still had some of the same issues. The Bruins will need Bussi to be a more efficient, confident goaltender to feel secure enough to play him every few games.
Michael DiPietro is another candidate for that spot but hasn’t been much better. The 27-year-old goaltender stopped nine of 10 shots in the first game and then allowed two goals on 15 shots in the win over Washington. Bussi and DiPietro had solid seasons with the Providence Bruins last season, and each signed one-year deals to remain with the Bruins organization in the offseason.
At this point, Korpisalo seems to be the guy in net until Swayman signs. The former Ottawa Senators goalie made seven saves in the second game, his only appearance so far this preseason. Expect Korpisalo to be in net Saturday night against Philadelphia and for DiPietro to get another look as well. The Bruins will need to make do without Swayman, and if these contract talks extend into the season, the Bruins will have the decision to make on the backup goaltender.
