Don Sweeney is a measured and calculated thinker. The Boston Bruins general manager loiters at Warrior Ice Arena beyond traditional working hours to consider every angle.
Sweeney uses all of this contemplation to execute aggressively when the time is right. Consider the following:
• He was unsparing before the 2025 trade deadline when he booted Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, Charlie Coyle, Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau and Max Jones.
Advertisement
• In 2023, Sweeney said goodbye to a 2023 first-round pick, first- and third-rounders in 2024 and second- and fourth-round selections in 2025 to acquire Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway and Tyler Bertuzzi and go all-in with his 65-win club.
• Sweeney fired Jim Montgomery (Nov. 19, 2024) and Bruce Cassidy (June 6, 2022), both previous Jack Adams Award winners.
• On June 26, 2015, Sweeney traded Milan Lucic (27 years old at the time) and Dougie Hamilton (22).
These were bold-faced transactions. Whether Sweeney can continue with this approach this offseason is unknown.
The Bruins are in their most perilous situation since Sweeney assumed the position on May 20, 2015. The last time they recorded fewer than 76 points, their sum this season, was in 2005-06. That season, even before they finished at 29-37-16, it cost then-GM Mike O’Connell his job.
Sweeney has earned more job security than O’Connell. He and team president Cam Neely have CEO Charlie Jacobs’ endorsement in seeing the turnaround through.
The issue is that Sweeney is short on capital to execute a rapid rebuild around David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman.
The Bruins have core pieces in David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. Can they build out another contender around them? (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Flyers, for example, will pick three times in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. They will go to the podium another four times in Round 2. The San Jose Sharks have the best odds of selecting No. 1 for the second straight season and also own the Dallas Stars’ 2025 first-round pick. The cluster of selections will allow both clubs to consider trades for assets that are closer to NHL-ready.
In comparison, the Bruins’ first-rounder and two second-rounders do not expand their options to their peers’ degree. There is no way the Bruins will move their first-rounder. Dealing one or both of their second-rounders is not the foundation of a big-time trade. When it comes to those picks, Sweeney’s most prudent move would be to keep them and draft the best players available.
Advertisement
The first-rounder, in all likelihood, will not be ready to help the Bruins in 2025-26. The second-rounders will take even longer to develop into NHL players, if they ever do.
As for the franchise’s other futures, Sweeney added to the prospect pool at the deadline. But not to the point where it’s even close to full.
Fraser Minten, part of the Carlo return, projects to be a reliable two-way NHL center. Whether he will be ready to fill that role full-time in 2025-26 remains to be seen. Will Zellers, whose rights arrived by the Coyle trade, turned 19 on April 4. The shoot-first forward will be a freshman at North Dakota this fall.
As for Fabian Lysell and Matt Poitras, the team’s top two draft-and-develop assets, it would be premature to write them into the 2025-26 lineup. Nobody else with AHL Providence currently projects to be a top-six/top-four player in the near term.
In terms of proven NHLers who could help other clubs, Elias Lindholm, Hampus Lindholm, Pavel Zacha, Nikita Zadorov and Morgan Geekie fit the profile, especially if salary retention is involved. On July 1, the Bruins will be left with Carlo’s $615,000 annual retention through 2027, leaving them with two open slots.
But trading the veterans will not necessarily improve the roster. Sweeney is entering the window for hockey trades, not transactions for futures.
It leaves the GM with his checkbook as his most effective tool. The Bruins have always spent to the cap under Sweeney’s stewardship. This will remain so.
A good chunk of Sweeney’s available cash is budgeted for Geekie. Re-signing Mason Lohrei is also on his agenda.
This will still leave the GM with $20 million or so to reinforce the roster. There is no reason to save. Free agency is the organization’s most favorable route.
“What, they’re going to be wasting Pasta’s years?” Zadorov asked. “I don’t have many years left. Both Lindys. C-Mac. Obviously, it’s win or nothing here.”
(Top photo of Don Sweeney: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Prisco’s NFL Draft 2025 grades for each team, including best and worst picks: Bucs earn one of three ‘A’ marks
Getty Images Since taking over as the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014, Jason Licht's draft picks have been as good as any in the league, yet Licht doesn't get the due he deserves for his drafting prowess.It's time he does. Licht's Bucs had another outstanding draft this year, one of the best in fact. Tampa Bay received one of the three "A" grades I gave out this year. The other two went to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs, both teams doing some impressive things over the seven rounds, including Jacksonville's bold move to go up to No. 2 to get Travis Hunter, the best player in the draft. These draft grades are immediate, so I know they are infuriating for some. But our bosses love them -- and you eat them up. So we do them.But […]
Yankees remove Devin Williams from closer job ‘for right now’
NEW YORK — Righty reliever Devin Williams won’t be closing games for the New York Yankees for a while.“For right now,” manager Aaron Boone said Sunday morning, “I’m going to take him out of that role.”It was the expected move after Williams blew Friday night’s save in a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, continuing his early struggles. Through 10 appearances, Williams is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA and four saves.AdvertisementHe’s given up 10 earned runs. Last season, he gave up just three earned runs in 22 appearances.Righty Luke Weaver will likely get the majority of save opportunities for the Yankees, who are atop the American League East at 15-11 and are slated for a doubleheader against the Blue Jays on Sunday.Boone said he spoke with Williams about the decision and Williams accepted it.“I thought we had a really […]
Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns star, speaks out and warns the NFL that he’s coming in 2026
The Miami Dolphins selected Quinn Ewers in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, leaving the starting quarterback position for the Texas Longhorns vacant for the 2025 season. However, even though the program's Head Coach, Steve Sarkisian, has not confirmed it, we all know that Arch Manning will be leading the offense.What people are really wondering is whether Arch Manning will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Right now, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, the quarterback from the Texas Longhorns - who has only had two starts in two years with the team - is the heavy favorite to be the number one overall pick next year.The villain! Tom Brady's still holding a grudge against Eli ManningArch Manning could follow the path of his uncles, Peyton and Eli ManningPeyton and Eli had successful NFL careers, each retiring with two Super Bowl […]
NFL investigating prank call made to Shedeur Sanders during 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL is investigating a prank phone call that quarterback Shedeur Sanders received during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.Sanders took the call on a recently purchased phone with a number that was supposedly only given to NFL teams to contact him during the draft. Yet someone was able to get the number and pretend to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, acting as if he was informing Sanders he was being selected by the team, yet then being told he would have to wait.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter the call was disconnected and Sanders realized it was a prank, he explained to family and friends at his draft party that the phone was tied to a private number"Nobody has that number but coaches, strictly for that reason," Sanders said.If that's true, the NFL wants to know how someone besides […]
Arsenal x PSG: onde assistir à semifinal da Champions League
Nesta terça-feira, as semifinais da Uefa Champions League serão iniciadas com a partida entre Arsenal x PSG, às 16h. Quem quiser acompanhar a partida, o Torcedores.com terá neste guia todas as informações sobre o duelo Este jogo será transmitido pelo, SBT, TNT e Max, na cobertura destes da reta decisiva da principal competição de clubes da Europa. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Em busca da taça inédita O Arsenal conseguiu uma das vitórias mais importantes de sua história nas quartas de final, ao passar pelo Real Madrid. Ainda buscando a conquista inédita da Champions League, os Gunners terão na competição europeia a chance de tentar um título na temporada para si e evitar mais uma decepção na ‘era Arteta’. Para a partida desta terça-feira, o treinador da equipe inglesa ficará sem Partey, suspenso, e também sem poder contar com o lesionado Jorginho, a […]
Alba demontiert Chemnitz – Dyn-Experte: „Die haben wohl nicht genug gegessen“
WAS. WAR. DENN. DAS?! Mit 35:4 Punkten demontiert BBL-Vizemeister Alba im zweiten Abschnitt die Niners Chemnitz, führt mit 62:27 zur Halbzeit. Und siegt am Ende leicht und locker 103:81.Da verstummen nach 20 Minuten selbst die 5000 Fans in der sonst so lauten Chemnitz Arena. Nur die 100 Alba-Anhänger sind noch gut zu hören ...Video aufgetaucht: Super-Riese spielt plötzlich Fußball<!-->[-->Quelle: BILD/Instagram @frenzy_fn26.04.2025Dabei ging es beim Spiel Siebter gegen Zehnten im Saisonendspurt doch um eine gute Playoff-Platzierung. Dyn-Experte Heiko Schaffartzik staunt zur Halbzeit: „Ich bin sehr beeindruckt von Alba. Alles, was sie machen ist richtig. Ich weiß nicht, wann ich, dass das letzte Mal gesehen habe.“Führte klug Regie: Malte DelowFoto: Oliver Mueller/Jan Huebner<!-->]-->Chemnitz landete einen (!) Treffer aus dem Spiel in dem katastrophalen zweiten Viertel. Dazu kommen noch zwei Freiwürfe. Macht klägliche vier Pünktchen ... An dieser Stelle findest du Inhalte aus […]
Related
Prisco’s NFL Draft 2025 grades for each team, including best and worst picks: Bucs earn one of three ‘A’ marks
Getty Images Since taking over as the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014, Jason Licht's draft picks have been as good as any in the league, yet Licht doesn't get the due he deserves for his drafting prowess.It's time he does. Licht's Bucs had another outstanding draft this year, one of the best in fact. Tampa Bay received one of the three "A" grades I gave out this year. The other two went to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs, both teams doing some impressive things over the seven rounds, including Jacksonville's bold move to go up to No. 2 to get Travis Hunter, the best player in the draft. These draft grades are immediate, so I know they are infuriating for some. But our bosses love them -- and you eat them up. So we do them.But […]
Yankees remove Devin Williams from closer job ‘for right now’
NEW YORK — Righty reliever Devin Williams won’t be closing games for the New York Yankees for a while.“For right now,” manager Aaron Boone said Sunday morning, “I’m going to take him out of that role.”It was the expected move after Williams blew Friday night’s save in a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, continuing his early struggles. Through 10 appearances, Williams is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA and four saves.AdvertisementHe’s given up 10 earned runs. Last season, he gave up just three earned runs in 22 appearances.Righty Luke Weaver will likely get the majority of save opportunities for the Yankees, who are atop the American League East at 15-11 and are slated for a doubleheader against the Blue Jays on Sunday.Boone said he spoke with Williams about the decision and Williams accepted it.“I thought we had a really […]
Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns star, speaks out and warns the NFL that he’s coming in 2026
The Miami Dolphins selected Quinn Ewers in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, leaving the starting quarterback position for the Texas Longhorns vacant for the 2025 season. However, even though the program's Head Coach, Steve Sarkisian, has not confirmed it, we all know that Arch Manning will be leading the offense.What people are really wondering is whether Arch Manning will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Right now, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, the quarterback from the Texas Longhorns - who has only had two starts in two years with the team - is the heavy favorite to be the number one overall pick next year.The villain! Tom Brady's still holding a grudge against Eli ManningArch Manning could follow the path of his uncles, Peyton and Eli ManningPeyton and Eli had successful NFL careers, each retiring with two Super Bowl […]
NFL investigating prank call made to Shedeur Sanders during 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL is investigating a prank phone call that quarterback Shedeur Sanders received during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.Sanders took the call on a recently purchased phone with a number that was supposedly only given to NFL teams to contact him during the draft. Yet someone was able to get the number and pretend to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, acting as if he was informing Sanders he was being selected by the team, yet then being told he would have to wait.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter the call was disconnected and Sanders realized it was a prank, he explained to family and friends at his draft party that the phone was tied to a private number"Nobody has that number but coaches, strictly for that reason," Sanders said.If that's true, the NFL wants to know how someone besides […]
Arsenal x PSG: onde assistir à semifinal da Champions League
Nesta terça-feira, as semifinais da Uefa Champions League serão iniciadas com a partida entre Arsenal x PSG, às 16h. Quem quiser acompanhar a partida, o Torcedores.com terá neste guia todas as informações sobre o duelo Este jogo será transmitido pelo, SBT, TNT e Max, na cobertura destes da reta decisiva da principal competição de clubes da Europa. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Em busca da taça inédita O Arsenal conseguiu uma das vitórias mais importantes de sua história nas quartas de final, ao passar pelo Real Madrid. Ainda buscando a conquista inédita da Champions League, os Gunners terão na competição europeia a chance de tentar um título na temporada para si e evitar mais uma decepção na ‘era Arteta’. Para a partida desta terça-feira, o treinador da equipe inglesa ficará sem Partey, suspenso, e também sem poder contar com o lesionado Jorginho, a […]
Alba demontiert Chemnitz – Dyn-Experte: „Die haben wohl nicht genug gegessen“
WAS. WAR. DENN. DAS?! Mit 35:4 Punkten demontiert BBL-Vizemeister Alba im zweiten Abschnitt die Niners Chemnitz, führt mit 62:27 zur Halbzeit. Und siegt am Ende leicht und locker 103:81.Da verstummen nach 20 Minuten selbst die 5000 Fans in der sonst so lauten Chemnitz Arena. Nur die 100 Alba-Anhänger sind noch gut zu hören ...Video aufgetaucht: Super-Riese spielt plötzlich Fußball<!-->[-->Quelle: BILD/Instagram @frenzy_fn26.04.2025Dabei ging es beim Spiel Siebter gegen Zehnten im Saisonendspurt doch um eine gute Playoff-Platzierung. Dyn-Experte Heiko Schaffartzik staunt zur Halbzeit: „Ich bin sehr beeindruckt von Alba. Alles, was sie machen ist richtig. Ich weiß nicht, wann ich, dass das letzte Mal gesehen habe.“Führte klug Regie: Malte DelowFoto: Oliver Mueller/Jan Huebner<!-->]-->Chemnitz landete einen (!) Treffer aus dem Spiel in dem katastrophalen zweiten Viertel. Dazu kommen noch zwei Freiwürfe. Macht klägliche vier Pünktchen ... An dieser Stelle findest du Inhalte aus […]
Be the first to leave a comment