BOSTON—Neither the Bruins nor Jeremy Swayman blinked before camp began.
Boston general manager Don Sweeney insisted that all sides were conversing but that no agreement was forthcoming. The restricted free agent goaltender remains unsigned and out of camp as his Bruins colleagues prepare for the 2024-25 season.
What will happen next? That’s difficult to say. Both sides have expressed their continued hope and determination to reach an agreement. So far, public comments have been positive. However, Wednesday’s opening of camp marks the first significant date that the standoff has passed. It is a little but significant milestone. It is unlikely that missing the first few days of camp will have any significant influence. It has happened with prior restricted free players for the Bruins and is happening throughout the NHL with several restricted free agents.
“It’s a process that seemingly every year there’s a few players, and this is a year that we have one,” Sweeney told ESPN. “But I must continue to do my job.” I must respect Jeremy and his camp’s viewpoint and then continue to seek common ground.
There are more meaningful milestones coming, even if the dates are a little vague:
What are the upcoming crucial dates?
Middle to late training camp – This is where the staring contest takes place. When will each side get antsy? Are the Bruins comfortable opening the season with Joonas Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi in goal? Is Swayman comfortable with the season starting without him?
For Swayman to be prepared to start
