Business getting ugly as Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman’s contract impasse continues

The Jeremy Swayman contract situation had been simmering all summer and, finally, it blew up on Monday when team president Cam Neely laid his cards on the table with the “64 million reasons” money quote.

It got the attention of every hockey watcher across North America.

“Well, I don’t want to get into the weeds with what his ask is, but I know that I have 64 million reasons why I’d be playing right now,” Neely said at Media Day on Monday, implying the Bruins offered Swayman an eight-year contract for $64 million. Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, called him a liar.

“Normally, I do not release statements or discuss negotiations through the media,” Gross tweeted on X. “However, in this case, I feel I need to defend my client. At today’s press conference, $64 million was referenced. This was the first time that number was discussed in our negotiations. Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level. We are extremely disappointed. This was not fair to Jeremy. We will take a few days to discuss where we go from here.”

But while the other players are hardly oblivious to what’s happening with their No. 1 goalie, captain Brad Marchand said it’s all business. And this, too, shall pass.

“I wouldn’t say it’s hard to keep it out of the room. Even … after (the news-making press conference), there’s not a whole lot of talk about it,” said Marchand. “We all understand the situation that the team and Sway are in and this is part of the game. It’s part of the business. It’s a part that nobody enjoys. Eventually a deal’s going to get done and everyone’s going to move on and be fine. One of the biggest things is the stress and pressure of when these negotiations are going on, but when you’re dealing with a term deal, once it’s signed, there’s so much weight that gets lifted off the player’s shoulder, but the team’s (too ). Then it’s just all about coming together and finding a way to win and building toward that goal.

“It’s tough because we all care about Sway. We want to see him back. But this is part of the business some guys go through. Every player goes through it at some point. To the extent to which it drags on is always different but everyone goes through negotiations. They’re never fun. It’ll be over and everyone’s moving on.”

Coach Jim Montgomery said he hasn’t detected issue affecting the room.

“It hasn’t yet. That’s all I know. I haven’t had a conversation with any of my captains or any of the other players about the contract,” said Montgomery. “For me, I get so immersed in the day-to-day as a coach, you’re always worried about how good are we today? Are we getting better?”

Marchand said he remains in contact with Swayman.

“Yeah, I talk to Sway,” said Marchand. “He’s a very competitive kid. He’s very dedicated. He’s going to do what he has to do be prepared and come back in the best shape he possibly can. He has that chip on his shoulder that he’s going to compete and be prepared. At the same time, it’s hard to replicate NHL reps at this time of year. We’re looking forward to the day he gets back.”

Meanwhile, it’s been a blessing so far that Swayman’s presumptive backup, Joonas Korpisalo, has had such a strong camp.

“We’ve obviously seen Korpi over the years and knew that he was a really good goalie,” said Marchand. “He’s a great teammate off the ice and he’s excited to be a part of a really good organization. But he’s a great goalie and they’re going to be another great duo for our group. But he’s shown very well in camp so far and I’m really excited to have him here.”

WHETHER HE’S PLAYING left wing, center or right wing, Montgomery has high hopes for Trent Frederic, who has flourished under the current coach. Frederic set career highs in goals (18) and assists (22) last year and, even more importantly, he made a positive impact in the playoffs for the first time.

Montgomery believes that, because of Frederic’s qualities as an unselfish teammate, it takes some pushing for him to realize how much of a difference-maker he can be.

“It’s more convincing himself,” said Montgomery. “I’m (trying) to phrase this the right way … he needs to be more selfish, just because when you become a real good player in this league, you do become selfish. It’s not (about) not passing the puck kind of selfish. It’s ‘I can turn things around for the team right now’ kind of selfish.”

Frederic is looking forward to do the things Montgomery believes he can.

“Yeah, I think I can have that impact,” said Frederic. “You want to have that impact every time. But it’s easier to say than to do it, just from the opportunity coming to you and there’s certain situations when you can do stuff, and times when you can’t. But on the selfish part, I’m sure (Montgomery) wants me to shoot it more. And I agree with that … And something I want to improve in my game is to become a better passer. I believe I have a good shot, I know I have that and I’m trying to use it more and more. Even as camp’s gone along, I feel like I’m scoring more and more in practice.”

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