Don Sweeney is the new general manager of the Boston Bruins. Team president Cam Neely made the announcement Wednesday.
Sweeney played all but one of his 16-year NHL career with the Bruins and has worked in the team’s front office since 2006. During that time he served as the director of player development, director of hockey operations and has been the assistant GM for the past six years.
The Bruins had been in search of a new GM since April after firing Peter Chiarelli when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
“I am both excited and humbled for the opportunity to be named the general manager of the Boston Bruins,” Sweeney said in a press release. “My family and friends have been extremely supportive throughout the general manager search process and I certainly want to acknowledge them today to show my heartfelt appreciation. I am fully aware of everyone’s expectations to move the organization forward. The challenges ahead rests with the players, the coaches and the management group to work hard to make the necessary changes to bring the Bruins back to the forefront of contending for the Stanley Cup.”
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Sweeney and Neely have always worked well together dating back to their playing days with the Bruins.
“Don has excelled in every role he has been in with the Bruins organization and has a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of our hockey operations department,” Neely said in the release. “His commitment and drive to bring a championship caliber team to the Boston fans was evident every step of the way through this search process, and I am confident that his leadership of our hockey operations department will lead to success.”
Sweeney oversaw the development of Bruins prospects in the AHL, junior, college and European leagues in his role as assistant GM. In 2014, he also served as GM of the AHL’s Providence Bruins.
The 48-year-old, who is one of only two defencemen to play 1,000 games with the Bruins (Ray Bourque is the other), will have to make several key decisions this off-season.
Standout blueliner Dougie Hamilton is a restricted free agent, as are forwards Brett Connolly and Ryan Spooner, while Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson and Chris Kelly are entering the final year of their contracts.
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