One of the Boston Bruins’ strengths has been their organisational depth in the goaltending position. Recently, the Bruins have been blessed with two Vezina Trophy-caliber netminders, Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark, as well as two American Hockey League goalies, Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro, who had successful seasons with the Providence Bruins.
Boston also has two drafted goalies: Philip Svedeback, who is entering his junior season at Providence College, and Reid Dyck, a sixth-round pick who has improved each season and is now a top goaltender in the Western Hockey League with the Swift Current Broncos.
But the caveat in all of this is the fact that Boston could lose Ullmark to trade this offseason, and both AHL netminders are restricted free agents looking for new deals. The depth that the Bruins hold in this valuable position could slip away quickly. Another goalie needing a contract is Dyck, who will have to sign his entry-level contract with the club before the June 1 deadline.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound goaltender was the 183rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. A raw, but athletic netminder, Dyck needed some fundamental development to be considered a real prospect. But that has been Boston’s specialty over the years as they develop goalies well.
As a result, Dyck’s improvement has been good, with his numbers increasing each of the four seasons he has spent with Swift Current. This season, Dyck has a 2.70 goals against average and a.911 save percentage. The 20-year-old is now a serious possibility, and Boston is likely to sign the Winkler, Manitoba native.
Bussi expects to be Swayman’s backup next season in Boston, and a decision on DiPietro, who was acquired in a trade that sent Jack Studnicka to Vancouver, will be made. Svedeback, who recently turned 22, remains unsigned. Kyle Keyser, a 25-year-old prospect, is a restricted free agent and will probably not be re-signed by Boston. All of these factors make it a probability that the Bruins will sign Dyck before the deadline.