The Boston Bruins are in dire need of a reset, and Jeremy Swayman has just given himself—and the team—a much-needed glimmer of hope. That came after a dismal 2024-25 season that left fans frustrated and wondering where it all went wrong for him. Swayman stepped up to the international stage at the IIHF World Championships and showed the world why he was once considered the Bruins’ goalie of the future.
He wasn’t just good—he was flawless. In that gold-medal game against Switzerland on Sunday, Swayman stopped all 25 shots he faced. That 1-0 victory for Team USA clinched their first World Championship title in 92 years. Swayman finished the tournament with a 7-0 record and a .921 save percentage that shone like gold.
Turning the Page on a Tough Season
Swayman’s struggles during the 2024-25 NHL season were plain to see. He ranked 62nd among 73 goalies with at least 10 games played in goals saved above expected (-9.1). His save percentage of .892 was way below his career average of .919 through his first four seasons.
After that final media address of the season, Swayman was pretty clear about where he wanted to be next year. “I wanted to play better,” he said. “I know I can play better—and that’s something I’m already working on.”
The World Championships gave him the perfect chance to start rebuilding that confidence. And he took it.
“I feel like a completely different person—and a completely different goalie,” Swayman said in Sweden, where he was interviewed by The Hockey News. “The guys in this room have just been incredible in supporting me. This has been a contagious locker room of joy.”
A strong showing at Worlds doesn’t guarantee success in the NHL, of course. But it does give Swayman a solid foundation to build on as he heads into the offseason. For a Bruins team that really needs its goaltender to rebound, that’s a welcome development.
Bruins’ Defensemen Impress on the International Stage
Swayman wasn’t the only Bruins making waves at the World Championships. Defensemen Andrew Peeke and Mason Lohrei also played big roles for Team USA.
Peeke played in all 10 games for the Americans, had one goal and three points, and logged heavy minutes. Lohrei played in 5 games, had one goal and was +4. Both looked good, and gave Bruins fans hope that they can be contributors next season.
Lindholm and Pastrnak Continue to Shine
Center Elias Lindholm was looking to bounce back from a tough first season with the Bruins after signing a 7 year, $54.25 million deal. He did just that, leading Team Sweden with 8 goals and 14 points in 10 games. He even had 2 assists in Sweden’s bronze medal game against Denmark and showed he can still produce when given the chance.
Pastrnak meanwhile, was his superstar self, with 15 points for the defending champion Czech Republic. He’s a bright spot for the Bruins as they rebuild.
Locmelis is the Future
One of the best takeaways from the World Championships was Bruins prospect Dans Locmelis. The 20-year-old forward had 4 goals and 2 assists in 7 games for Latvia.
He turned pro in April and immediately made an impact in Providence with 12 points in 6 games. Now he’s doing the same at Worlds. He’s going to be a big piece of the future.
What This Means for the Bruins
For the Bruins, Swayman’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. GM Don Sweeney has a tough offseason ahead of him to fix the team’s many weaknesses: an anemic offense, a power play that doesn’t work, and a defense corps that’s a mess.
But no one thing will determine if the Bruins get back to the playoffs more than Swayman getting his game back. If he does at the NHL level, it’ll be the spark Boston needs.
But there are no guarantees. Seven games at Worlds isn’t the same as an NHL season, but it does give Swayman a sense of purpose heading into camp.
A Fresh Start for Swayman and the Bruins
Jeremy Swayman’s heroics at the World Championships are a silver lining for a Bruins organization that needs some good news. With several players stepping up on the international stage, Boston has a lot to be optimistic about.
If Swayman can take this into the 2025-26 season, it’s good for a team that wants to put last year behind them. For now, Bruins fans can breathe a little easier knowing their goalie is getting his game back.
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