Jeremy Swayman’s Agent Makes Statement After Cam Neely’s Comments – Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

As talks continue between star goaltender Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins, comments from both teams have sparked controversy. The Bruins have already traded their other top goaltender, Linus Ullmark, to the Ottawa Senators, and that leaves Swayman with a lot of leverage in negotiations.

Swayman talked about his approach to negotiations this year, and how it’s a different approach than last offseason’s discussion that led to the negotiations. He talked about his education in how things work, and wanting to set a new standard for the goaltending market in the NHL.

Neely Infers $64 Million Contract Offered

Neely met with the media at TD Garden on September 30, and when asked about Swayman’s ongoing contract negotiations, Neely said “I don’t want to get into the issue of what he’s asking for, but I know I have 64 million. the reasons why I’m going to play right now.”

The comment was a clear suggestion that the Bruins offer Swayman an eight-year contract worth $8 million per season. This is within the ballpark or what most expect the final contract to end at, or slightly lower. The comments from Neely were not well received among Bruins fans, with many feeling nervous that Swayman would be offended by the comments.

Swayman’s agent responded with a statement

Swayman’s agent Lewis Gross released the following statement via Instagram:

From Lewis Gross, representing Jeremy Swayman:

Normally, I don’t release statements or discuss media interviews. However, in this case, I feel there is a need to protect my client. In today’s press conference, reference was made to $64 million. It was the first time that this amount was discussed in our discussions. Prior to the press conference, no proposal had been made to that extent.

We are extremely disappointed. This did not sit well with Jeremy. We will take a few days to discuss where we go from here.

Statement by Lewis Gross regarding Cam Neely’s comments on the Swayman interviews

Hearing this publicly from an agent about how disappointed they are is rare. Having the said R64 million not even given to Swayman, according to Gross, makes it an even more remarkable case.

Gross’s final comments said they will take a few days to discuss where they go from here, hinting that they may go deeper and raise their price, or ask for a trade. The Bruins currently have forwards Joonas Korpisalo and Brandon Bussi and are very weak at the position without Swayman in the lineup.

Neely’s comments trying to convince fans that the Bruins made a tough bid backfired. Having Swayman and his agent upset is not something the Bruins can afford at this point.