Call it a rebuild, retool, or reload—whatever the label, Don Sweeney will be leading the Boston Bruins through it.
The Bruins have announced that Sweeney has signed a two-year contract extension, ensuring he remains the team’s general manager through the 2027-28 season.
Sweeney had previously acknowledged he was entering the final year of his deal. Rather than letting him head into a crucial offseason in a lame-duck position, Bruins ownership and team president Cam Neely opted to extend his contract now.
“Don has handled a difficult period for our team with clarity, determination, and a vision for the future,” Neely said in a statement. “He made tough calls at the trade deadline that we believe will pay off as we aim to return to contention.”
This offseason is crucial for the Bruins. The team missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly ten years and is searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Jim Montgomery early in the 2024-25 campaign. They also hold the No. 7 pick in next month’s draft—their highest since 2010—and enter free agency with significant salary cap flexibility after several tight financial years.
“I believe in the approach Don has taken recently and am excited about the direction we’re heading,” Neely added. “Boston’s expectations have always centered on winning championships.”
Bruins Officially Announce Multi-Year Contract Extension For GM Don Sweeney | ABC6Don Sweeney
Sweeney, who became GM in May 2015, led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019 and oversaw a record-setting regular season in 2023. Under his leadership, the Bruins have secured long-term deals with key players such as David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman—cornerstones for the franchise’s future.
“I fully understand the weight of this role,” said Sweeney, who was named GM of the Year in 2019. “Our fans expect greatness, and I share that drive. The goal is to build a team that Boston can be proud of and bring another Stanley Cup home.”
Now that Sweeney’s extension is official, the search for a new head coach may quickly gain momentum. Meanwhile, preparations continue for the NHL Scouting Combine in early June and the draft, which begins June 27 in Los Angeles.