By: Jason Cooke | Follow me on X @cookejournalism
The Boston Bruins made the mistake last season of not extending head coach Jim Montgomery ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, which resulted in disaster. On Tuesday morning, the Bruins ensured they wouldn’t make a similar gaffe with their general manager, inking Don Sweeney to a two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season.
The decision to dole out a fresh contract to Sweeney was essential to attract new players this offseason in free agency. More importantly, the move certainly makes the B’s a more ideal destination for a new head coach. It had been previously reported by RG Media’s Jimmy Murphy that Rick Tocchet, who became the next bench boss of the Philadelphia Flyers, didn’t pursue Boston’s vacancy with uncertainty surrounding Sweeney’s role, along with how quickly prior coaches have been let go.
Tuesday’s decision to extend Sweeney ensures some level of job security that new coaches won’t be stepping into an organization expected to be under new leadership at some point in the near future. Sweeney, who has been under scrutiny for last season’s dismal campaign, has been the general manager for 10 seasons and has compiled a 458-233-91 regular-season record while reaching the postseason in eight of those tries. He’s been recognized internationally, being appointed to serve as the general manager for Team Canada during the recent 4 Nations Face-Off and will be the assistant general manager for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Bruins are entering a retool, and it’s clear Boston’s top brass has the confidence in Sweeney to right the ship. The path forward starts by signing a new coach, which Tuesday’s move makes much easier. From there, Sweeney will be tasked with supporting a David Pastrnak-led offense with some scoring help to supplement what was a top-heavy scoring offense last season. And, of course, Sweeney will have a perfect opportunity in the upcoming draft to select a premier talent with the seventh overall pick.
Leave a Reply