Some fans may have been caught off guard today when the Bruins revealed a two-year contract extension for General Manager Don Sweeney. However, to this blogger, it was only a matter of time.
President Cam Neely, known for his heartfelt and emotional approach, stopped short of offering a strong endorsement for Sweeney during the end-of-season press conference.
“I’ve given it a lot of thought and I’m still contemplating what the best course of action is, but as I mentioned, I really feel like Don has done a good job here for the most part,” Neely said. “Obviously the year that we had is a huge disappointment, and that falls on all of us, not just Don, that falls on all of us. I’ll figure that out in the near future whether we’re going to re-sign Don or not,” Neely added.
In April 2015, Neely dismissed former General Manager Peter Chiarelli following a missed playoff appearance, just four years after the team’s Stanley Cup victory. At the 2015 trade deadline, at least one deal Chiarelli aimed to finalize was vetoed by the President.
Jump ahead to this trade deadline, and Sweeney was granted permission to break up part of the core leadership group. For the purposes of this article, whether he did a fantastic job is beside the point—what matters is that he was allowed to do it.
In June 2022, Sweeney voiced confidence in former Head Coach Bruce Cassidy, reportedly telling him that his role would remain “status quo” for the next season. Before his dismissal, Cassidy was even permitted to let go of former Assistant Coach Kevin Dean. However, Cassidy later revealed that during a meeting with Neely, the Bruins president advised him to “be careful” with how he communicated with players and the media.
Sweeney to his credit said that nothing was going to change at the press conference and that he was going to manage just as he always has. He continued to fly all over North America to prepare for the 2025 NHL Draft, continued to negotiate contract extensions with his players and is actively pursuing a new head coach.
If Bruins history tells us anything, it’s that Neely would never have permitted any of it unless he was certain that Sweeney would be signed to an extension.
It’s why I am not surprised.
Dom - Hockey 
2 years is not a great vote of confidence but I like it. Other GMs have respect, named him GM team Canada twice this year. they know things we don’t.
As Sweeney has stated, and I’ve seen on “Behind the B”, Bruins make decisions “by committee”. Hope Don gets an opportunity to put together his own “committee”.
Chara is a GREAT start. New scouts, tapping into Russian and European hidden gems, not relying on a Gary Bettman “chosen one” draft pick… plenty of talent that doesn’t get “chosen” or blessed to have financial means to make it to North America on their own or through the good ole boys hockey system.
I’m seeing Evan Gold GM in another 3 years. Chara Team President shortly thereafter.
Development coaches will be crucial.
i like Don. Neely can retire anytime.
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