Jeremy Swayman's Resurgence Puts Him in the Middle of Team USA's Goaltending Debate

"Heralded as Boston's next future star goaltender, a contract dispute in the 2024 off-season led to a bitter training camp environment that resulted in Swayman not participating at all until game two of the regular season. The fifth-year goaltender believe he earned his new contract based on his stellar performance in the 2024 postseason against the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Boston Bruins were reluctant to pay Swayman a large sum given his age and accomplishments."

"However, an eight-year 64 million dollar deal was eventually signed and Swayman became the Bruins bona fide number one starter for seemingly years to come. But the Bruins had a lackluster 2024, 2025 campaign, finishing in last place in the Atlantic division and and earning a top 10 draft pick. Swayman struggled as well, having a career worst season in terms of goals against average and save percentage."

"The silver lining for the Bruins missing the playoffs was that it allowed Swayman to participate in the IIHF World Championships as Team USA's number one goalie, given that both Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger were still playing for the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars respectively in the postseason. Swayman excelled at the World Championships, leading the United States to a gold medal for the first time in 86 years."

Jeremy Swayman endured a turbulent 18 months marked by a training-camp contract dispute that delayed his preseason participation until the second regular-season game. He signed an eight-year, $64 million contract after strong 2024 postseason performances. The Bruins produced a disappointing 2024–25 campaign, finishing last in the Atlantic Division and securing a top-10 draft pick, while Swayman posted career-worst goals-against average and save-percentage marks. Missing the NHL playoffs allowed Swayman to start for Team USA at the IIHF World Championships, where he led the United States to its first gold medal in 86 years. The championship boosted Swayman's confidence, and he currently ranks league-best in goals saved above expected while sharing goaltending duties amid injuries to the Bruins' defense.

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