We’re here for another edition of NHL rumours to start your week. The final four is almost upon us, but there are plenty rumours swirling. It’s Victoria Day weekend in Canada and the front office chatter is getting louder. General managers are looking to get the right coaches and players in place for the next season. This means some interesting decisions ahead. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Luke Fox put out his recent list of top 12 restricted free agents. Today we talk about the top name on the list in Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman.
NHL's Top 12 RFAs of 2024: Latest buzz on their next deals https://t.co/DcwuO4kFkb pic.twitter.com/kyWcPsw6sV
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 18, 2024
Analysis: Boston had been alternating between Linus Ullmark and Swayman for the regular season. However, Swayman took control of the crease during the playoffs. It seems the 25-year-old netminder is the future in goal for the Bruins.
However, Swayman is an RFA and is expected to cash in on a big-time contract. The Anchorage, Alaska native did tell the media that he wants to sign long-term with the Bruins. Despite this desire, there are some things that General Manager Don Sweeney has to do.
Sweeney did try to trade Ullmark at the deadline to the Los Angeles Kings according to rumours. Conversely, Ullmark decided to use his no-trade clause to veto a deal. Boston’s GM will try to accommodate Ullmark’s wishes this offseason if he does want to move on.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman did say Swayman and Sweeney were already discussing an extension. However, the goalie denied the report when asked about it. Boston’s crease is going to get expensive, so it’s likely that Ullmark will have to be dealt in the offseason. The Swedish goalie currently makes $5 million and it would be awfully pricey to keep both netminders.
Swayman has done a lot to increase his value this offseason. This post-season run has been huge for his bank account.
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: Ian Mendes of The Athletic went over what a possible new contract could be for Shane Pinto.
Analysis: A recent interview in April said that Pinto wants to stay in Canada’s capital. However, it’s all about dollars and cents for General Manager Steve Staios. The former University of North Dakota product has had an interesting career so far.
Pinto was suspended for gambling and had a contract dispute that saw him miss half of the season. Moreover, the 23-year-old does play well at both ends of the ice. Staios raved about Pinto’s 200-foot game during exit interviews. The Ottawa brass still loves the Franklin Square, New York native and want to keep the pending RFA.
However, Mendes mentions that finding common ground could be an issue. Pinto had a cap hit of $775,000 this season, which was a small decrease from his entry-level deal. The centre is looking for some kind of an increase, but management and Pinto might need some time to sort a deal.
This could be a situation where a bridge contract comes into play for both sides. It might be one of those situations where a “prove-it” contract comes into play. Ottawa might want to see more evidence that Pinto can provide goals and defence before a long-term contract is offered. There’s also the questions about Pinto’s health. He’s already missed 118 career games due to a combination of injuries and the suspension. The Senators management may want to see Pinto survived a good chunk of the season before offering a long-term deal.
Staios could decide that he’s seen enough and offer a long-term deal. We won’t know what’s going on until a contract is close to being finalized.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
