The importance of goaltending in the NHL has been a topic of much debate in recent years, particularly following the Stanley Cup victories of the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights. These teams showcased that it is possible to succeed with average goaltending, a departure from the traditional reliance on a bona fide number-one goalie.
The conversation around the future of goaltending intensified with the signing of Jeremy Swayman to a lucrative contract, solidifying his status as a top-five goalie in the league. However, Swayman lacks the experience of proven goaltenders like Connor Hellebuyck and Andrei Vasilevskiy, raising questions about his ability to perform consistently in a starting role. Despite this, the Boston Bruins saw enough potential in Swayman’s performance as a 1B goalie to invest in his future.
One of the unique aspects of Swayman’s contract is its coverage of ages 25 to 33, a departure from the typical long-term goalie contracts that start later in a player’s career. This shift in approach reflects a recognition of the potential decline in performance that goaltenders may experience as they enter their mid-30s, making it a risky bet for teams to commit to those later years.
The ripple effects of Swayman’s contract were felt across the league, with Linus Ullmark also cashing in on a similar deal with the Ottawa Senators. Both goalies are now tasked with serving as number ones for their respective teams, with their contracts reflecting the expectations placed on them. In contrast, Joey Daccord finds himself in a shared crease in Seattle, with a more modest contract reflecting his limited NHL experience.
The landscape of goaltender contracts varies across the league, with some teams committing substantial sums to their netminders. Teams like the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers have significant financial investments in their goaltending tandems, with players like Sergei Bobrovsky and Carey Price commanding eight-digit salaries. The upcoming contract negotiations for players like Igor Shesterkin are expected to set new records for goalie deals, further highlighting the evolving dynamics of the goaltending market in the NHL.