NHL Rumors: Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman Linked To Oilers In Huge Off-season Move
The Oilers are expected to target Jeremy Swayman as their goaltending upgrade.
If the Edmonton Oilers seek a goaltending upgrade this offseason—which many expect they will—one potential high-profile option could be Boston’s Jeremy Swayman. The Bruins netminder is coming off a statistically down year, and with Boston missing the playoffs, changes could be on the horizon.
Trade rumors have swirled around Swayman, and the Oilers—who have relied on backup Calvin Pickard in their series against the Los Angeles Kings—may consider moving Stuart Skinner.
But is Swayman a realistic target?
Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report suggests:
“If any team is poised to make a major goaltending move this offseason, the Oilers should be at the forefront. Goaltending has been a persistent issue for years, and their last significant attempt to address it—signing Jack Campbell—backfired.”
Gretz notes that Skinner has failed to solidify himself as Edmonton’s long-term solution. Despite the Oilers being a contender, how much longer can they afford to lack a true starting goalie? He adds:
“They can’t keep wasting prime years of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl without winning a Stanley Cup.”
Swayman Could Be the Answer
The 26-year-old Anchorage native appeared in 58 games this season, recording 22 wins and four shutouts. While his 3.11 goals-against average (GAA) and .892 save percentage (SV%) marked a down year, his career numbers remain strong—101 wins, 16 shutouts, a 2.58 GAA, and a .910 SV% across 190 NHL games.
His playoff performance further bolsters his case: in 20 postseason appearances, Swayman has nine wins with a stellar 2.38 GAA and a .922 SV%. Paired with Calvin Pickard, he could solidify Edmonton’s goaltending next season—though acquiring him won’t be simple.
Would the Oilers Consider Trading Nugent-Hopkins?
To match salaries, Edmonton might need to include more than just Skinner—especially since Swayman’s new $8.25 million AAV makes a one-for-one swap impossible (and unlikely to interest Boston).
Gretz proposes: “Here’s a thought: The Oilers need a goalie, the Bruins need center depth. Could a deal involving Swayman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins make sense? Yes? No? Maybe?”
However, that’s a steep price for Edmonton. Not only did Swayman struggle after signing his big extension, but Nugent-Hopkins remains a crucial piece. As the longest-tenured Oiler, he’s a power-play staple, a strong two-way presence, and a leader—even if his 104-point peak is behind him.
At $5.125 million annually through 2029, his contract is team-friendly, making him a valuable asset.
Image - Eric Bolte-Imagn
