Key Takeaways:
– Bruins general manager Don Sweeney affirms the team’s priority to re-sign goalie Jeremy Swayman.
– There’s uncertainty concerning the future of goalie Linus Ullmark with the Bruins.
– Ullmark, however, has expressed his desire to continue in Boston.
– Sweeney hints at exploring other opportunities, which may include moving Ullmark.
As the Boston Bruins concluded their season with players’ exits and media interviews, the focus was swiftly directed towards plans for the impending offseason. With CEO Charlie Jacobs, President Cam Neely, General Manager Don Sweeney, and head coach Jim Montgomery present at the press room of TD Garden on May 22, discussions veered towards the team’s goalkeeping future.
Sweeney’s Stand on Goalie Situation
Don Sweeney, in particular, made some significant remarks, primarily about the goalie rotation of the Bruins, which has included Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark for the past seasons. While answering questions about Swayman’s future, considering his impending free agency, Sweeney declared it as “a priority now” to retain the goalie.
Sweeney assured reporters, saying “It’s a priority now and it’ll continue to be a priority until we get that across the finish line. He’s a big part of our current team and our future,” signifying the team’s faith in Swayman.
Ullmark’s Uncertain Future
In contrast to his resolute stance on Swayman, Sweeney seemed less certain about Ullmark’s future within the Bruins organization. He stated, “We’re going to find a landing spot with Jeremy Swayman and if we can make the math work, we’re going to have the best tandem. If we can’t, we’re going to explore.”
Sweeney’s readiness to explore options and communicates through potential calls, addresses the exigency of decision-making required in his role. It also subtly hints at the possibility of Ullmark being traded in the pursuit of goals aligned with team optimization and salary cap management.
Ullmark’s Desire to Stay
Despite these speculations, Linus Ullmark expressed his interest to continue with the Bruins. Ullmark, who won the previous season’s Vezina Trophy and pulled off a commendable record in the recent regular season, voiced his eagerness to stay in Boston rather than being traded.
“Everybody’s been so nice and so very caring here. That makes you feel at home, and that makes you want to stay here,” Ullmark stated.
Cost Vs Performance
Sweeney acknowledged the strength of both goalies, calling them “one of the best tandems in the National Hockey League.” However, the financial implications of retaining both cannot be overlooked. Merging Swayman’s expected salary hike with Ullmark’s contract, the Bruins could potentially pay between $12 and $14 million for two players at the same position – a business perspective that might not sit well with the management.
Therefore, Boston Bruins fans may foresee key changes in their goalie rotation come 2024 summer, marked by Sweeney’s strategic insight and unwavering commitment to team optimization. The upcoming offseason will certainly be eventful for the Bruins organization.