NHL NEWS: Red Wings Strike Gold with Stunning Trade for Bruins Star Goalie Jeremy Swayman
In a bold and potentially franchise-altering move, the Detroit Red Wings have finalized a blockbuster trade with the Boston Bruins to acquire disgruntled star goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The deal, first reported by ESPN, sends the 25-year-old netminder to Detroit in exchange for multiple high-value assets, marking a dramatic shift in direction for both organizations.
Swayman, who recently signed a five-year, $5.5 million AAV contract with the Bruins, had reportedly grown frustrated with his role and lack of long-term assurance in Boston’s future plans. Now, with a fresh start in Hockeytown, the Anchorage, Alaska native will have the opportunity to take the reins as the Red Wings’ undisputed No. 1 goalie—and the centerpiece of their resurgence.
The finalized trade comes after weeks of speculation that Swayman was unhappy with the Bruins’ goalie rotation and lingering contract tensions. While Boston had tried to preserve its dynamic tandem of Swayman and veteran Linus Ullmark, sources close to the situation noted that Swayman had been pushing for a clear No. 1 role and greater trust from the front office.
Enter Detroit.
General manager Steve Yzerman, already regarded as one of the savviest executives in the NHL, saw an opportunity to solidify the team’s most critical position and didn’t hesitate to act. While the full trade package is still being confirmed, reports indicate Detroit sent a combination of high draft picks, a top-tier prospect, and a current roster player to Boston in return for Swayman.
“The Red Wings just made a power move,” said an ESPN analyst following the news. “Swayman is a franchise-caliber goaltender, and now he’s going to be the backbone of one of the NHL’s most promising young teams.”
Swayman’s numbers speak for themselves. In the 2023-24 season, he posted a .920 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average across 44 games, establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable and athletic goaltenders. Known for his quick reflexes, poised demeanor, and elite puck tracking, Swayman is expected to bring both stability and star power to Detroit’s crease.
The Red Wings, who narrowly missed the playoffs this past season, have been steadily building a competitive core through smart drafting and player development. With a rising roster led by Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond, the addition of a top-tier goaltender could be the final piece in pushing Detroit over the edge and back into serious postseason contention.
“This move signals we’re ready to win now,” one Red Wings executive told ESPN. “Jeremy Swayman is a player we’ve admired for a long time, and we believe he’ll be a foundational part of our team for years to come.”
For Boston, the trade marks the end of a talented but turbulent chapter with Swayman. While many fans are upset to see him go—especially to a conference rival—the Bruins appear to be fully committing to Ullmark in net, while also loading up on future assets.
“This is about balancing the present and future,” Bruins GM Don Sweeney said in a statement. “Jeremy is an incredible player and person, and we wish him the best. But we’re confident in our goaltending and excited about what this trade brings to our organization moving forward.”
Jeremy Swayman is expected to join the Red Wings in the coming days, with a press conference scheduled shortly after his arrival. Detroit fans, long waiting for a return to relevance, now have a new face of hope between the pipes—and his name is Jeremy Swayman.
