Bruins’ Jim Montgomery: Joonas Korpisalo will be opening-night starter

While contract negotiations with their star goaltender are still ongoing, the Boston Bruins have a plan on who will be in between the pipes when the regular season gets underway—though upper management isn’t too pleased by the situation.

When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Jim Montgomery told reporters that it is “unlikely” that Jeremy Swayman would be ready to go for the team’s season opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 8. Montgomery added that Joonas Korpisalo is being projected to lead the Bruins when the puck drops on the regular season.

“Right now, he’s going to be our Game 1 starter,” said Montgomery.

Korpisalo was acquired by the Bruins this past offseason, along with Marc Kastelic, in the deal that sent Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. The idea was that the veteran netminder would provide solid backup minutes behind Swayman this year.

However, that is not the case. Swayman has yet to report to training camp as he has not signed a new deal with the team that took him in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft.

While Korpisalo is a good safety net in Boston, the front office isn’t happy with how long the contract talks have dragged on. Team president Cam Neely gave the media a hint on what the Bruins have offered the talented young netminder.

“I don’t know about him,” Neely said. “But I have 64 million reasons why I’d be playing.”

While Neely didn’t disclose the terms of the alleged $64 million offer, he did say that he believes Swayman is trying to “reset the goalie market.”

As if Neely’s frustration with the lack of progress wasn’t enough, even the Bruins’ CEO is speaking out on the matter. Charlie Jacobs, son of team owner Jeremy Jacobs, said he understands Swayman wants to get paid but also mentions the Bruins are trying their best to do what’s best for the team as well.

“I certainly don’t begrudge somebody for a big paycheck,” Jacobs said. “We’re writing a big one ourselves to make sure we have a winning club on the ice.”

Jacobs also stated that there is no lack of conversation between the Bruins and Swayman and his agent, Lewis Gross.

“I want to be very clear we are in a state of constant communication regarding Jeremy, and it’s our hope that he’s on the ice as soon as possible.”