Swayman joins practice and is described as a “potential” opening night starter

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Jeremy Swayman has some foot speed.

As the clap of the sticks reached a crescendo, the goaltender rose from his post-practice stretch, lowered his head and began skating around the rink, much to the delight of his Black & Gold teammates.

“He’s actually pretty fast for a goalie,” David Pastrnak said. “I am impressed.”

The round was, of course, a nod to Swayman’s new eight-year contract extension – and a sign that his teammates are more than thrilled to have him back by their side with the season opener set for Tuesday night at Sunrise.

“I talked to them throughout the whole process…they all said, ‘Once you come back, everything will be like nothing.’ It will be a seamless transition.’ That’s exactly what it was,” Swayman said with a smile after practice Monday afternoon at the Panthers’ practice facility.

“Everyone started singing and clapping their sticks. So as a player you know what that means. I think it was just a matter of signing and getting it over with. A hot lap was necessary.

“I think it was the fastest lap I’ve ever driven. I’m happy about that.”

Swayman is also very excited about his physical condition and says he feels ready to get back into action right away. Coach Jim Montgomery was also impressed with how the backstop looked during practice and said the team was still “undecided” whether Swayman or Joonas Korpisalo would get the nod Tuesday night against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

“(Swayman is) the potential goalie (Tuesday),” Montgomery said. “We’re undecided… it was great (to have him back). He has so much energy. I thought this would add value to the practice. And I thought he looked sharp.”

Boston’s top goaltender once again praised the Boston University men’s team for helping him stay in the best shape possible while he was away from the Bruins during training camp.

“I feel ready to play,” Swayman said. “I put myself in this position. I had a great workout during this training camp at BU. I feel like I’ve put myself in a really good position to be ready to perform when called upon.”

When asked if that could be the case as early as Tuesday night, Swayman said: “I hope so. I would like that.”

“It’s up to the coaching staff,” Swayman added. “I trust them completely and when they feel I’m ready, they know I am. That’s what I want to share with them, and they know what a great thing.”

Swayman also expressed his gratitude after signing a $66 million contract with the Bruins on Sunday morning, while acknowledging the responsibility that comes with it.

“I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world,” he said. “To be in the position I am in, gratitude pours in from everywhere. I know exactly how much confidence (the Bruins) have in me and what their expectations are. I have the same, if not greater, standard to perform and let everyone know that they made the right decision. I love being in this position. I couldn’t be happier.”