By: Ellie Man | Follow me on Twitter/X @ellieyym
Selected in the fourth round and 111th overall of the 2017 National Hockey League Draft, Jeremy Swayman has since gone above and beyond to prove his place as a Boston Bruin. He has developed into one of the team’s most reliable and important players, earning an eight-year contract extension in 2024. What began as a modest opportunity has become a cornerstone.
The Alaska-born goaltender has become a key part of the Boston team, serving as the first choice in net and often making crucial saves to keep the Bruins in the competition. He has also helped to guide the team through periods of inconsistency and struggle, providing a solid backstop when performances in front of him were less convincing.
In the 2025-26 season, Swayman bounced back to his usual form after his worst season the year before. He posted a career-high 31 wins with a 2.71 GAA and .908 SV%, regularly holding down the fort when the Bruins’ defense gave up dangerous scoring chances. These efforts went on to impress and he was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy for the first time, demonstrating his return to top form.
Swayman further established himself as a prominent and engaging figure in media duties. He frequently spoke with reporters to address both his individual performance and the team’s progress throughout the season, representing the organization with professionalism and personality. His willingness to take on increased responsibility has added another dimension to his role beyond the ice. His veteran presence has allowed for a strong source of stability in the locker room, proving particularly beneficial as the Bruins continue to build around and develop their young talent.
These are all valuable traits that add to the Bruins’ identity and are made more apparent as the question of who will be named the next captain draws out. Since Brad Marchand was traded to the Florida Panthers in March 2025, the Bruins have remained without a named captain. Instead, the team has relied on a core leadership team made up of three alternates: David Pastrňák, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm.
Unfortunately, goaltenders are not typically permitted to hold the title of captain, but that doesn’t stop Swayman from being a vocal leader within the team. This rule was instated in 1948 after the Montreal Canadiens’ captain Bill Durnan was criticized for abusing his authority. Opponents argued that standard discussions with referees were turned into major delays as the goalie would skate across the ice to speak with officials. As a result, the Habs were given longer breaks while Durnan debated calls, and the league subsequently prevented goaltenders from serving as on-ice captains.
While the debate surrounding the Bruins’ captaincy continues, the team appears set to resolve the vacancy before the new campaign. General manager Don Sweeney announced that the team will have a captain for 2026-27 with the decision to be formally declared before the season starts, but supporters have yet to hear who will take on the role.
Regardless of the final decision, Swayman’s performance and presence have already made him an important leader within the Bruins. His development from a hungry fourth-round draft pick into an established goaltender has given him both the experience and platform to become a trusted voice. As Boston prepares to enter a new era of leadership, Swayman will continue to remain within the team’s evolving core.
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