The Boston Bruins find themselves at a critical juncture regarding their goaltending situation, particularly with Jeremy Swayman needing to demonstrate a return to form early in the upcoming season. After a disappointing 2024-2025 campaign, where Swayman posted career lows in goals-against average (3.11) and save percentage (.892), his future with the Bruins is under scrutiny.
Swayman's struggles last season came after he signed an eight-year, $66 million contract. Missing training camp due to contract negotiations may have contributed to his slow start, and while he welcomes a heavy workload, his performance in the final stretch of the season was concerning. He allowed at least four goals in seven of his last 11 starts, raising questions about his consistency and ability to handle the pressure of being the team's undisputed number one goalie.
The Bruins' management has publicly stated their intention to remain competitive. However, if Swayman fails to bounce back quickly, General Manager Don Sweeney might be forced to re-evaluate the team's direction and consider potential trades. Several reports have already suggested that the Edmonton Oilers expressed interest in acquiring Swayman. One proposed deal involved Stuart Skinner, Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick in exchange for Swayman.
However, trading Swayman would signal a full rebuild, a path the Bruins have been hesitant to take. Sweeney has emphasized the importance of a competitive team and has made some offseason acquisitions, such as Viktor Arvidsson, to inject some "juice" back into the lineup. The team is also hoping for a resurgence from existing players who had down years or were hampered by injuries.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the presence of other capable goaltenders within the Bruins organization. Joonas Korpisalo, acquired in the Linus Ullmark trade, is a veteran NHL netminder. However, he reportedly wasn't pleased with his limited role last season and might seek a trade if his playing time doesn't increase. Michael DiPietro is coming off a strong AHL season and has signed a two-year, one-way contract, indicating that the Bruins see him as NHL-ready. This creates a dilemma for the Bruins: stick with the more experienced Korpisalo or give the younger DiPietro a chance to prove himself.
The Bruins' goaltending situation is further complicated by the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft, where they have eight picks. Some analysts suggest that the Bruins should use one of those picks to draft a goalie, given the uncertainty surrounding their current goaltending pipeline.
Ultimately, the Bruins' path forward hinges on Swayman's performance. If he can quickly regain his All-Star form from 2023-2024, the Bruins can remain competitive and avoid a potential rebuild. However, if he continues to struggle, Sweeney may have no choice but to explore trade options and potentially alter the course of the franchise. The pressure is on Swayman to deliver an early bounce-back and solidify his position as the Bruins' long-term solution in net.
