Devils Rumors: Analyst Thinks New Jersey Should Pursue Jeremy Swayman


James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now argues that the New Jersey Devils should aggressively pursue Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, despite their recent acquisition of veteran Jacob Markstrom. 

Nichols believes that Swayman, a 25-year-old restricted free agent, represents a long-term solution for New Jersey’s goaltending needs. 

The Devils were serious about acquiring Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators before he was traded to the San Jose Sharks, which indicates their continued interest in securing a top young netminder for the future. 

According to Nichols, “If the Devils wanted to solve their goaltending indefinitely, Swayman is the answer.”

The situation between Swayman and the Bruins has grown tense due to a public contract dispute, which has created a potential opportunity for New Jersey. 

Bruins President Cam Neely referenced a $64 million figure during a press conference, a number Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, quickly refuted, suggesting the two sides are far apart in negotiations. 

This uncertainty, Nichols argues, could open the door for teams like the Devils to explore a trade. However, acquiring Swayman would require a significant package, possibly involving top prospects like Simon Nemec, Anton Silayev, or Seamus Casey, with a potential move to alleviate salary cap concerns by including Ondrej Palat’s contract.

Nichols views Swayman as the ideal fit to grow alongside the Devils' core of young stars, such as Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. 

While a tandem of Markstrom and Swayman would provide a strong short-term solution, Swayman could be groomed to take over as the full-time starter in the near future. 

“Swayman is not just a player you add to your roster,” Nichols says, “he’d immediately become a core piece.”

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images