Though the team sent him down to the minor leagues earlier today, it’s not all bad news for Jordan Szwarz. The Boston Bruins forward has signed a one-year two-way contract extension which will keep him in the organization through 2018-19. Szwarz will earn $650K at the NHL level, while securing $350K while in the AHL. Szwarz was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Now 26, Szwarz has really flourished as an offensive player since joining the Providence Bruins in 2016. Last season, he led the club in scoring with 54 points before being a key part of a deep playoff run. This season has been much of the same, with 44 points in 46 games for the AHL club. Though he won’t lead the team this year—that honor is held by Austin Czarnik and his 61 points in 56 games—he is still one of the leaders for the minor league squad and a useful player to keep around for Boston.
In 12 NHL games this season, Szwarz has just three points and is still looking for his first goal, but has been used in various roles including some time (albeit limited) on the powerplay. Useful depth pieces are important for every organization, and especially one that is expecting to challenge for the Stanley Cup this year and in the immediate future. Long playoff runs almost always result in several injuries, and with the Bruins already dealing with various ailments throughout the lineup Szwarz could be just a shift or two away from being needed in the postseason.