The Boston Bruins have renewed general manager Don Sweeney`s contract for two more years. This decision indicates the team`s confidence in him to reconstruct the roster following their absence from the playoffs in the recent season, a first since 2016.
This contract renewal follows comments a month prior from team president Cam Neely, who had stated he was evaluating Sweeney`s position after a decade characterized by significant regular-season achievements but limited playoff success. Sweeney had previously dismissed head coach Jim Montgomery, who set NHL records for wins (65) and points (135) in the 2022-23 season, in November. Later, at the trade deadline, Sweeney traded key players after the team didn`t improve under interim coach Joe Sacco.
Cam Neely commented, “Don has guided our team through a challenging phase with determination, focus, and a clear plan for the Boston Bruins` future.” Neely added, “He made tough choices at the trade deadline, confident they will benefit us as we work towards competing for the championship again.”
During Sweeney`s 10-year tenure, the Bruins compiled a regular-season record of 458-233-91, securing a playoff spot eight times. Their total of 1,007 points and a .644 points percentage rank jointly as the best in the NHL over the same timeframe.
However, the Bruins have advanced beyond the second playoff round only once during Sweeney`s time as GM, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2019 under coach Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy was dismissed three years afterward and subsequently led the Vegas Golden Knights to a Cup victory in his initial season with them.
Jim Montgomery succeeded Cassidy in Boston, winning 112 games over two years but only one playoff series. He was let go 20 games into the current season. With the team not competing for a playoff spot, Sweeney traded captain Brad Marchand – the final player from the 2011 championship-winning roster – as part of a significant team overhaul. This action marked the conclusion of the team`s most successful period since the days of Bobby Orr at the old Boston Garden.
Neely mentioned that Sweeney is currently looking for a new head coach while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming draft.
The former Bruins forward stated, “I am confident in the strategy he has pursued recently, and I am optimistic about the future of our team.” He added, “The goals in Boston have always been straightforward: it`s about winning championships.”
Sweeney, who played 16 seasons in the NHL with all but one spent in Boston, assumed leadership of the Original Six team`s front office in 2015. He received the league`s General Manager of the Year award in 2019 following the Bruins` appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, he served as GM for Team Canada`s winning entry in the 4 Nations Face-Off this winter and will be the assistant GM for Canada at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Sweeney commented, “It is an honor to be associated with a franchise possessing such a rich history and dedicated fanbase.” He continued, “I completely grasp and welcome the duties associated with this position. Our supporters have lofty hopes for this team, and I share those aspirations. The shared objective is to construct a team that inspires pride in Bruins fans and ultimately secures another Stanley Cup trophy for Boston.”
Tristan Blackwood