One of the strengths of the Boston Bruins organization over the years is their ability to identify and develop goaltenders. The Bruins have drafted Jeremy Swayman in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft and signed Linus Ullmark while he was a backup in Buffalo. The pair has formed the best tandem in the league the last two seasons.
Prospects Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro performed extremely well with Providence in the American Hockey League, and 2022 sixth-round pick Reid Dyck turned in the best season of his hockey career with Swift Current in the Western Hockey League. The present and future were both looking bright in the net for the Bruins.
This offseason, however, decisions have to be made. Swayman is a restricted free agent who will command a lengthy, high-value contract. Ullmark has been the subject of trade talks and could be dealt by the NHL Draft in late June. Bussi is also a restricted free agent and will probably get a three-year deal from Boston. DiPietro signed a one-year deal for next season. Kyle Keyser is an unrestricted free agent after a disappointing season split between Providence and Maine in the ECHL.
And then there is Dyck, the 6-foot-4, athletic netminder who posted a 2.70 goals against average and a .911 save percentage in 37 games with the Broncos which was far better than the 3.62 GAA and .887 save percentage the 20-year-old registered the year before. But as the deadline to sign the Winkler, Manitoba native approached on June 1, the Bruins decided to pass on extending an entry-level contract to Dyck, and rights to him expired.
Now the Bruins’ impressive stable of goalies is dwindling. Philip Svedeback is entering his junior year at Providence College and will likely wait to sign with Boston for at least another year. With Keyser and Dyck on the way out and Ullmark seemingly headed elsewhere, the Bruins are left with the following:
Boston – Swayman and Bussi
Providence – DiPietro
Unsigned – Svedeback
On the surface, this might seem alarming but as we look deeper, Boston should be in good shape. Swayman will probably sign a 7 or 8-year contract with the club. Bussi will probably sign his three-year deal. Therefore, the NHL club should be set in the net for years to come. DiPietro and a minor signing should handle Providence and Svedeback could be ready after this season. Expect the Bruins to potentially draft a goalie as well.
There is still time in the offseason to sort things out, but the Bruins are definitely shuffling some deck chairs in the goaltending department. The next order of business is to get Swayman signed and Ullmark on his way out of town.
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