What Brad Marchand thinks about the stalemate over Jeremy Swayman's contract

While Jeremy Swayman remains figuratively on the ice, the restricted free agent goaltender is still a presence in the Bruins' locker room as his teammates literally take the ice and prepare for the opening game on Oct. 8 in Florida.

The 25-year-old Swayman, expected to become the club's No. 1 goalkeeper, is out of contract as the two teams continue to search for a landing spot on a new contract.

“I think the most important thing is that we all understand the situation that the team and Sway are in,” said Bruins captain Brad Marchand, who was scheduled to make his preseason debut against the Flyers on Tuesday night at the Garden. “It’s part of the game, it’s part of the business. It's a part that no one enjoys. At some point a deal will happen and everyone will move on and be fine.”

Swayman is coming off an All-Star season, culminating in him taking control of the net in the playoffs after splitting duties with reigning Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark during the regular season.

Ullmark was sent to Ottawa after the season as part of a deal that also included Joonas Korpisalo, who is now on track to become the Bruins' No. 1 goalie – he'll be in net for the opener against the Panthers – at least until Swayman is back in action at the crease.

When asked about Swayman Monday, Bruins president Cam Neely said, “I would have 64 million reasons why I would play right now.”

That prompted a backlash from Swayman's agent, Lewis Gross, who posted later Monday: “This was the first time this number has been discussed in our negotiations.”

Gross also wrote, “We are very disappointed… This wasn't fair to Jeremy.”

Whether this back and forth sparks a new round of talks remains to be seen.

While Marchand acknowledged that every negotiation is different, he said the relief that comes with reaching a pact can be liberating for everyone involved.

“One of the biggest things is the stress and pressure when these negotiations are going on, when you're dealing with a temporary deal,” he said. “Once it's signed, so much weight is lifted off the shoulders of not only the player but the team, then it's just about coming together and finding a way to win, build and work towards that goal.

“So it’s tough. We all care about Sway and want to see him again. But again, it's part of the deal that guys have to go through sometimes, and every player goes through it at some point, the extent to which it drags out is always different. But everyone does negotiations and it’s never fun, and then it’s over and everyone moves on.”

Marchand, who is expected to become an unrestricted free agent after this season (his 16th in Boston), remains in contact with Swayman. Marchand has no doubt that Swayman will be ready to play in the short term if an agreement is reached.

“I’m talking to Sway. I mean, he’s a very competitive kid,” Marchand said. “He is very committed. He will do everything he can to be prepared and come back in the best possible shape.

“He feels like he's going to compete and prepare, but at the same time it's difficult to meet the expectations of NHL officials, especially at this time of year.” So yeah, we're looking forward to the day he's back .”

Coach Jim Montgomery said he didn't believe Swayman's situation was a distraction when it came to assembling and preparing his roster for the start of the season.

“I get so caught up in the day-to-day life of coaching that you're always wondering, 'Okay, how good are we today?' Are we getting better?' said Montgomery, who said he had not discussed Swayman's contract status with Marchand or his assistant captains David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. “So it’s a 24-hour window that you’re constantly looking into.”

Jim McBride can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @globejimmcbride.