Swayman And The Bruins Need To Learn From The Same Mistake Boston Made 25 Years Ago

Boston Globe. Getty Images.

The well-documented contract battle between Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins front office brings back memories of what Goaltender Byron Dafoe went through 25 years ago when he held out on the Bruins at the start of the 1999-2000 season. 

Byron Dafoe, who had been the B’s #1 goalie for 2 years in a row playing 65, and 68 games each season was looking for a contract worth $4 million per year.  The team initially offered $3 million.

When the negotiations stalled, Dafoe, decided to do what Swayman is doing and opted to hold out. This worked out perfectly for Dafoe as the Bruins struggled, having their worst start since the 1964-65 season. Backup goalies John Grahame and Robbie Tallas who were decent goalies and beauties off the ice were not getting the job done as #1s.

Watching the team struggle for weeks and go winless in their first 9 games Dafoe made the crucial decision to call General Manager Harry Sinden and request a sit-down. Dafoe wanted to get back on the ice with his teammates as soon as possible and help them win.  

After 40 minutes, they pretty much met in the middle and reached an agreement on a three-year, $9.4 million contract. 

Fast forward 25 years and with the help of a certain social media app, Swayman finds himself in a similar position. Swayman doesn’t have the resume that Dafoe had at the time, but his numbers for the last two seasons and playoffs are hard to argue.

The Bruins are always a playoff-contending team and have been very fortunate over the years to get some players to take some team-friendly deals to help them stay under the salary cap and be super competitive.

I believe a #1 goalie might be the most important position on the ice come Playoff time, but for those 99-00 Bruins they never found out as they never made up for that horrendous start and missed out on a chance for the Stanley Cup.

Swayman’s potential absence to December 1st as some have reported could destroy the Bruins' chances for playoffs this Spring.

My advice to the Bruins and Swayman Camp, as they navigate these negotiations, is to learn from the past. As much as we have loved the drama.., get offline, put Swayman and Sweeney in a room together, and get a deal done before it is too late and you end up like the 99-00 Bruins. 

Twitter:  mattmurley19

Instagram: murls_ebr