One of the Boston Bruins’ long-standing strengths has been their ability to find and develop goaltenders. The Bruins chose Jeremy Swayman in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft and signed Linus Ullmark, who was a backup in Buffalo. The combination has formed the league’s top tandem over the last two seasons.
Prospects Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro excelled with Providence in the American Hockey League, while 2022 sixth-round selection Reid Dyck had the best season of his hockey career with Swift Current in the Western Hockey League. The Bruins’ present and future looked promising in net.
This offseason, however, decisions must be made. Swayman is a restricted free agent who will demand a long-term, high-value contract. Ullmark has been the topic of trade talks, and he might be transferred during the NHL Draft in late June. Bussi is also a restricted free agent who will likely sign a three-year contract with Boston. DiPietro agreed to a one-year contract for next season. Kyle Keyser is an unrestricted free agent following a poor season split with Providence and Maine in the ECHL.
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And then there’s Dyck, the 6-foot-4, athletic goalkeeper who posted a 2.70 goals against average and a.911 save percentage in 37 games with the Broncos, considerably outperforming his 3.62 GAA and.887 save percentage the previous season. However, as the time to sign the Winkler, Manitoba native came on June 1, the Bruins chose against extending Dyck’s entry-level contract, and his rights expired.
The Bruins’ outstanding lineup of goaltenders is shrinking. Philip Svedeback is entering his junior year at Providence College and will most likely wait at least a year before signing with Boston. With Keyser and Dyck on their way out and Ullmark seemingly heading elsewhere, the Bruins are left with the following:
Boston – Swayman and Bussi
Providence – DiPietro
Unsigned – Svedeback
On the surface, this may appear scary, but upon closer examination, Boston should be in decent shape. Swayman will most likely sign a seven- or eight-year contract with the club. Bussi will most likely sign his three-year contract. As a result, the NHL club’s net should be set for several years. DiPietro and a minor signing should handle Providence, and Svedeback may be ready after the season. Expect the Bruins to draft a goaltender as well.
There is still time in the offseason to work things out, but the Bruins are obviously rearranging the deck chairs in the goaltender department. The next item of business is to have Swayman signed and Ullmark leave town.
