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Jeremy Swayman Reveals He Thought He Was Headed To Toronto

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Tyler Ball
August 18, 2023  (9:31 PM)
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The Boston Bruins were an unstoppable force during the 2022-23 NHL season. Part of this was thanks to their incredible goaltending tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. In a new interview Swayman admits he thought he would be playing for another original six franchise at one point.

Swayman Speaks On His Draft

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Jeremy Swayman is one of the best young goaltenders in the NHL right now. This past season he suited up in 37 games for the Bruins and posted a 2.27 goals-against average along with a 0.920 save percentage. Although he is highly thought of now this was not always the case.

In 2017 when Swayman was going through the draft process he was considered just another one of the bunch. Swayman himself was expecting to be picked by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round as their pick came up:

The fourth round came and Toronto was up 110 and they picked a goalie,» Swayman said during an appearance on the "Empty Netters" podcast. «It was like 'Alright, maybe not this year,' that kind of thing. Kind of bummed but at the same time hopeful still cause I talked to other teams.»

As Swayman said he had started to doubt if he would be selected. He would not have to wait much longer however to hear his name called as he was picked with the very next pick by the Bruins.

«I get a text and it's from my buddy actually from Alaska,» Swayman said. «He was at the draft and he said 'Congrats Sway' and I'm like 'What?'»

Swayman's experience is similar to athletes both in hockey and other sports who were picked in the later rounds. Finding out from a friend in attendance is unique though for sure.

Swayman Makes The Best Of His Opportunity

Swayman admits he was disappointed at first after not being picked by the Leafs. This quickly turned into excitement once the Boston Bruins swept in:

«We had a pretty good celebration. It was totally unexpected which is the coolest part I think,» Swayman said. «You're so devastated for one second and the next second it's like a new world opens up. That was a pretty cool experience to share with them, and I'm glad it turned out the way it did.»

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From there Swayman went on to dominate for three seasons at the University of Maine before signing in Boston. He now has an opportunity to become one of the best goaltenders of his generation at just 24 years old.

As the Bruins head into a new generation it will be interesting to see if and when Swayman takes over the starter mantle from Linus Ullmark.

As Read On - Hockey Feed - Jeremy Swayman thought he was heading for Maple Leafs!

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