**Bruins and Swayman Seal Long-Term Deal Amid Dramatic Negotiations**

In a whirlwind week filled with anticipation and heated exchanges, the Boston Bruins have successfully secured Jeremy Swayman as their franchise goaltender. The turbulence began with remarks from team president Cam Neely, who boldly stated he had "64 million reasons" to sign Swayman if he were the goalie. These comments quickly ignited a tense response from Swayman's agent, Lewis Gross, who emphasized that such a figure had not been part of initial discussions.

The drama didn't end there as rumors swirled about Swayman considering a trade request. Despite this, negotiations culminated in a new contract that firmly establishes Swayman as Boston's go-to netminder. This long-term deal comes on the heels of Swayman's standout performance at the end of the 2023-24 season, where he shone brightly in the postseason.

Swayman played a critical role in Boston's playoff journey, starting 12 out of 13 games and recording an impressive .933 save percentage. His 13.3 goals saved above expected led all goaltenders in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, despite only appearing in two rounds. This extraordinary performance significantly bolstered his value and position within the team.

Throughout the summer, amidst extended contract talks, Swayman maintained a hopeful and positive outlook about his future with the Bruins. In an appearance at the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, he expressed confidence that the situation would resolve itself in due time. "I know that it will take care of itself with time, and all I can do is control how I'm going to be a better goalie for the Boston Bruins this year," Swayman said. He reiterated his commitment to improvement and his gratitude for being part of the team.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during a contentious arbitration hearing last summer, Swayman voiced his concerns about his tenure with the Bruins in Amazon's new docuseries "FACEOFF: Inside the NHL." Despite the uncertainties, he expressed his deep desire to remain with the team and his dedication to working hard to achieve that goal.

The recent contract agreement now places Swayman at the heart of a robust Bruins defense, complemented by the addition of free agent Nikita Zadorov and the promising development of Mason Lohrei. With Swayman's future now secure, Joonas Korpisalo is expected to serve as Boston's backup goalie. Interestingly, General Manager Don Sweeney still plans for Korpisalo to start in the season opener against the Florida Panthers.

As the Bruins prepare for the upcoming season, fans can stay updated with team news and analysis to follow their beloved team through the highs and lows of hockey season.