Jeremy Swayman isn’t hiding it - the 2026 Winter Olympics are on his mind. And why wouldn’t they be?
Representing Team USA on the world’s biggest stage is a dream for just about any American hockey player. But while the Olympic buzz is real, Swayman’s feet are planted firmly in the present - and in the Boston crease.
“Of course,” Swayman said when asked if the Olympics have been on his radar. “It’s been a life goal of mine to be on the Olympic team. I do know that if I do my job for the Boston Bruins, it’s going to put me in a good position to be there one day.”
That mindset - eyes on the prize, but locked in on the work - is exactly what’s helped Swayman become one of the NHL’s most dependable netminders this season. The Alaskan-born goalie has been dialed in for Boston, putting up an 11-6-0 record with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. That kind of consistency between the pipes is a big reason why the Bruins are sitting second in the Atlantic Division with a 15-12-0 mark.
And while Swayman isn’t the only American goaltender in the conversation for the 2026 Olympic roster, the door may be opening a bit wider. Connor Hellebuyck, long considered the frontrunner for the starting job, is currently sidelined with injury.
Jake Oettinger, another top-tier talent, has been battling through a rough patch. That leaves Swayman not just in the mix - but potentially leading it.
He’s no stranger to the red, white, and blue either. Swayman’s been climbing the USA Hockey ladder for years, starting with the World Juniors in 2018, then suiting up at the World Championship in both 2022 and 2025. Most recently, he was part of the 4 Nations squad, where he slotted in as the third goalie behind Hellebuyck and Oettinger.
That experience - being around the top talent, observing, learning, waiting for his shot - could prove invaluable. And if current form is any indication, Swayman’s not just waiting anymore. He’s making his case, one save at a time.
Still, he’s not getting ahead of himself. “I’m just going to stick to my day-to-day life here,” Swayman said. “Hopefully it works out the right way.”
If he keeps playing like this, it just might.