The drama surrounding Jeremy Swayman's unresolved contract is the elephant in the room for the Boston Bruins. As the team's restricted free agent, Swayman remains unsigned, leaving fans and players alike wondering what's taking so long. "It's a big topic of conversation with the fans and the media, and this is part of the business, and we all are really looking forward to when it does get done and the process is over and he is back with the group," said Bruins captain Brad Marchand. But what's behind the delay?

Swayman, who played for $3.475 million last season, didn't elect to go through salary arbitration this year. Instead, he's waiting for the Bruins to come up with a new contract. The 25-year-old goalie has been a regular at Warrior Arena this summer, participating in captain's practices and working on his game. But the clock is ticking, and with training camp just around the corner, fans are growing increasingly anxious.

But what if Swayman's contract remains unresolved? Will it affect the team's chemistry or performance? "Not really, because we have really two more exhibition games," said coach Jim Montgomery. "We have the [Black and Gold] scrimmage, where we'll get to see almost every goalie in camp, and then we have the extra exhibition game [against the Kings in Quebec City Oct. 3], so I think we're going to get enough opportunity for every goalie to show us what he can do as a Bruin." But this raises questions: what if Swayman's status affects the team's morale? What if the uncertainty creates tension among the players?

Meanwhile, Bruins captain Brad Marchand is recovering from surgery on his elbow, which has prevented him from swinging a golf club at the annual Boston Bruins Foundation golf tournament. "I tried," he said. "I've been trying to push it, but [the medical staff] didn't allow that to happen, which is probably good. A lot of people will be safe because I'm not hitting at them today." But Marchand is optimistic about his recovery, saying he'll be ready for the start of camp or shortly thereafter.

What do you think about Swayman's contract situation? Should the Bruins be doing more to resolve the issue? And what's the impact on the team's chemistry? Share your thoughts!

The Swayman Saga: A Tale of Unresolved Contracts and Back-and-Forth Negotiations

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