Source- Don Sweeney was named Wednesday as the new general manager of the Boston Bruins. Sweeney, who served as assistant general manager the past six seasons, was introduced at a 1:30 p.m. press conference at TD Garden. "I am fully aware of everyone's expectations to move the organization forward," Sweeney said in a statement released by the team. "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." In addressing the future of coach Claude Julien, who led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup title in 2011, Sweeney said, "He's the coach of the Boston Bruins, as of today." Boston's search for a GM began when Peter Chiarelli was fired on April 15 after the Bruins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2006-07 season. The Bruins went 41-27-14 for 96 points, two behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. "Don Sweeney stood out amongst an incredibly talented group of candidates that we considered for this hire," CEO Charlie Jacobs said. "He carries a unique and impressive mix of playing experience, front office experience and business acumen. Don has complete understanding of what it means to be a Bruin and we have full confidence in him to steward the organization back to being Stanley Cup contenders year in and year out." Sweeney played 16 seasons in the NHL, the first 15 with the Bruins. He retired after playing the 2003-04 season with the Dallas Stars, then returned to the Bruins in 2006 as director of player development. He was promoted to director of hockey operations in 2007 and assistant general manager in 2009.
Well there's that. I don't think anyone really expected the Bruins to get too crazy and bring in some huge name. Ever since Chiarelli was fired in April, the biggest rumor was that Sweeney would get the job, that's what all the whispers in dark alleys were. I think I ultimately would have liked to see the Bruins go outside the organization and bring someone in but at the same time I don't think that Sweeney will be bad. Right now I'm not too excited for it and trying to remain even-keeled. I think that Neely will have A TON of power which kind of worries me but that also means that he could bring back the grit and toughness that the Bruins were once known for but completely ditched in this past season. If the season doesn't start off well then I wouldn't be surprised to see Julien out the door. He's on the hot seat of all hot seats this season. Sweeney's first big test will be the draft on June 26th. Hopefully everything works out in Boston and Sweeney is a great GM and Julien finds his old ways of coaching.
Well there's that. I don't think anyone really expected the Bruins to get too crazy and bring in some huge name. Ever since Chiarelli was fired in April, the biggest rumor was that Sweeney would get the job, that's what all the whispers in dark alleys were. I think I ultimately would have liked to see the Bruins go outside the organization and bring someone in but at the same time I don't think that Sweeney will be bad. Right now I'm not too excited for it and trying to remain even-keeled. I think that Neely will have A TON of power which kind of worries me but that also means that he could bring back the grit and toughness that the Bruins were once known for but completely ditched in this past season. If the season doesn't start off well then I wouldn't be surprised to see Julien out the door. He's on the hot seat of all hot seats this season. Sweeney's first big test will be the draft on June 26th. Hopefully everything works out in Boston and Sweeney is a great GM and Julien finds his old ways of coaching.
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