Jeremy Swayman's shocking asking price puts the Boston Bruins in a tough spot

The two sides are reportedly far apart, and now we know why, Swayman is asking for $10 million per year! This demand would place him in the same salary bracket as Stanley Cup champion Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens legend Carey Price, who are the only goalies in NHL history with a $10 million cap hit.

Since Price hasn't played since 2022, Bobrovsky is currently the only active goalie earning that kind of money. New York Rangers star and Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin is set to join that club next summer and is likely keeping a close eye on these negotiations.

While Swayman has been a reliable goaltender, he hasn't done enough to justify such a hefty salary. He hasn't won a Vezina Trophy, and he's been known to struggle when given the opportunity to secure the top spot on the depth chart.

Both Swayman and the Bruins need to resolve this issue before the season starts. With Boston having already traded reigning Vezina winner Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, they don't want to start the season with Jonas Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi as their goaltending tandem.

Swayman, meanwhile, doesn't have many options as a restricted free agent unless another team steps up to pay him, which is unlikely given the cost. If this situation drags into the season, Swayman has until December 1 to sign, or he will be ineligible to play for the rest of the year. This standoff will be interesting to watch as Swayman fights for his payday, and Bruins GM Don Sweeney tries to protect the team's long-term cap space.