“The last I heard, they weren’t close,” Friedman noted, adding, “This has been a challenging negotiation, but there’s still time, and we’ll see how this sorts out.”

However, Friedman emphasized that situations like this can change rapidly with just one phone call. As it stands, the financial gap between the two parties remains significant, which could delay an agreement as the team approaches training camp.

On the other hand, there are reasons for optimism. Bruins President Cam Neely recently expressed confidence that a deal would be finalized soon during an appearance on the Rich Shertenlieb Show.

“Something will get done. There’s no question,” Neely stated. “Not every negotiation is as smooth as you’d like, and I know our fan base is eager for a resolution, but I’m fully confident both sides will come to an agreement before too long.”

Last summer, Swayman was awarded a one-year contract worth $3.475 million through salary arbitration, a process he found challenging and hoped to avoid this time around.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Swayman remains optimistic. In a recent interview on NESN during their annual Jimmy Fund event, he expressed confidence in a deal being reached.

“There’s a lot of confidence. I’ve treated this year like business as usual; I’ve been at Warrior (the Bruins Practice Facility), working out with our guys, our staff, and our players. There’s something special building in this locker room this year, and I can’t be more excited about that,” Swayman said.

Swayman has stayed in Boston and remains committed to the community. Although he understands that this is a business, he believes everything will work out in time.

“I know it’ll take care of itself. All I can do is focus on becoming a better goalie for the Boston Bruins this year,” he added. “And so that’s all I’m focused on. I know it will work out, and I couldn’t be happier to be a Bruin.”

His optimism is echoed within the organization. Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs also spoke on NESN during the Jimmy Fund event, indicating that negotiations are moving closer to a resolution.

“I try not to comment on player personnel contract negotiations,” Jacobs said. “But we are still negotiating with Sway. I hope he’s ready to play come training camp. We have some things to work out, but I’m sure we’ll get there.”

Swayman stepped up as the Bruins’ number-one goalie this season, especially during the playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he maintained an undefeated record over the past two seasons. With the departure of Linus Ullmark, who was traded to the Ottawa Senators, Swayman is now clearly positioned as the Bruins’ go-to goalie.

In the 2022-23 season, Swayman posted a 25-10-8 record with a 2.53 GAA and a .916 save percentage in 43 starts, following up on a stellar season where he had a 24-6-4 record with a 2.27 GAA and a .920 save percentage.

In the playoffs, Swayman solidified his status as the Bruins’ number one goalie, particularly after Game 2 of Round 1 against the Florida Panthers. Despite a 6-6 record in the playoffs, he finished with an impressive 2.15 GAA and a .933 save percentage.

Such performances suggest that Swayman could command a significant contract on the open market, potentially in the range of Juuse Saros’ $7.74 million cap hit or even Connor Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million cap hit. There is speculation that Swayman could secure an eight-year extension at around $8.5 million annually.

As the Bruins’ training camp approaches in about a month, all eyes will be on whether Jeremy Swayman will sign a new deal or hold out as the new season begins.