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CBS News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Bruins search for next head coach reportedly enters home stretch
The Boston Bruins should have a new head coach in the near future. General manager Don Sweeney will conduct his final round of interviews next week and a decision should come shortly after, according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun. LeBrun did not have a list of finalists for the Boston gig, but he did rattle off a number of coaches who have interviewed for the position. "Marco Sturm, Jay Woodcroft, Mitch Love, Luke Richardson, Joe Sacco, Jay Leach among those believed to have interviewed," LeBrun reported Thursday. With Sweeney signing a two-year extension earlier this week, it looks like his search for a new head coach is now entering its home stretch. Bruins team president Cam Neely said in-person interviews would begin soon in an interview with The Boston Globe after Sweeney's extension was announced. Bruins head-coaching candidates Of the candidates named by LeBrun, Sacco and Leach are in-house options for Boston. Sacco was named interim head coach in November after the Bruins parted ways with Jim Montgomery, and Boston went 25-30-7 with him on the bench. He wasn't put in the best position to succeed, and his job was a lot tougher after Sweeney's fire sale at the trade deadline. Leach was the head coach of the Providence Bruins for four years before he was named an assistant coach in Seattle in 2021. He returned to Boston in 2024 as an assistant on Montgomery and Sacco's staff. Bruins fans are familiar with Sturm as well, given the 302 games he played with a Spoked-B on his chest. The 46-year-old has been coaching since his playing days ended, and has spent the last three seasons as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings' AHL affiliate. Sturm would be a rookie head coach at the NHL level, but he was an assistant for the Kings from 2018-22 and also coached Germany's Olympic team from 2015-18. Sturm led Germany to a Silver Medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics. The 40-year-old Love would be another first-year head coach, but is seen as one of the top young assistants in the NHL. He's been on Spencer Carbery's staff with the Washington Capitals the last two seasons, after he spent three seasons as the head coach of Calgary's AHL team. Richardson, 56, was the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks for two-plus seasons from 2022-24, but was fired after an 8-16-2 start to the 2024-25 campaign. Overall, Richardson was 57-118-15 as head coach of the Blackhawks. He also has experience as an assistant with the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Montreal Canaidens, and was the head coach of Ottawa's AHL affiliate for two years. The 48-year-old Woodcroft was previously the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers from 2022-24 and helped the team make the Western Conference Finals as interim head coach in 2021-22. He led the squad to a 50-23-9 record in his only full season as head coach in 2022-23, but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights (the eventual Cup champs) in the second round. Woodcroft was dismissed after a 3-9-1 start to the 2023-24 season. Before he was Edmonton's head coach, he was head coach of the organization's AHL affiliate from 2018-22, where he compiled a 105-71-21 record. He was also an assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks from 2008-15 and the Oilers from 2015-18. It's interesting to note one name LeBrun didn't mention: Dallas Stars assistant Misha Donskov. He's been a popular name in head coaching searches, but it doesn't sound like the Bruins are going to wait for Dallas' playoff run to end to chat with him about their vacancy. NHL head coaching vacancies In addition to the Bruins, the Seattle Kraken and Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for a new head coach this summer. Three other teams have already filled their openings, with the New York Rangers hiring former Bruins coach Mike Sullivan, the Philadelphia Flyers hiring Rich Tocchet, and the Chicago Blackhawks tabbing Jeff Blashill as their next bench leader.
Boston Globe
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Fraser Minten, hopes as a Vancouver youngster crushed by the Bruins, might be a lasting fit after trade to Boston
'Absolutely,' recalled Minten, who, some 14 years later, was welcomed into the Bruins organization via the trade last Friday that sent Brandon Carlo to the Maple Leafs. 'That is a core memory that comes with some tears for 7-year-old Fraser.' Minten, who'll turn 21 in July, figures now he would like nothing more than to find a successful, lasting fit in the Black and Gold sweater that became a symbol of his crushed childhood dreams. Ditto for the Bruins, who view the 6-foot-2-inch, left-shot center as a prime prospect who potentially could ramp up quickly through AHL Providence and shift his NHL career into full traction with that Spoked-B on his chest. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The Bruins remain in critical need of a point-producing center, particularly a pivot with top-six promise, now two seasons after the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci . The pricey addition of Elias Lindholm last July meant to fill that void proved folly. Matt Poitras (now in Providence) still needs time to develop. Sometimes center Pavel Zacha fits best on the wing. If Minten has the goods — as hinted in the 16 games (2-2–4) he's played for Toronto — then Boston is the land of opportunity. Advertisement 'He has a lot of Charlie Coyle's qualities as a player,' general manager Don Sweeney said the day of the trade, also emphasizing the high regard for Minten's leadership qualities, 'that I hope he grows into.' Related : Minten, who'll suit up for a third game with Providence on Sunday afternoon in Springfield, came to the Maple Leafs as the 38th pick in the 2022 draft. His play for the Toronto varsity over the last two seasons, though limited, gave the appearance he was positioned to be central to the franchise's next young talent infusion, particularly with veteran center John Tavares on an expiring, high-cap contract ($11 million) this season. Advertisement 'I didn't want to leave,' said Minten, who played most of the time for the AHL Toronto Marlies. 'I had nothing but good things going for me in Toronto and really liked it there — so it wasn't something I was looking for, but I definitely knew [getting traded] was a possibility.' Potential for a move made sense in part because, much like the Bruins, the Leafs in recent years surrendered draft picks around the trade deadline to shape their roster for a potential deep playoff run. The depleted number of picks left today's GM in Toronto, Brad Treliving , with little choice but to surrender a prospect to add Carlo, who filled a key need as a top-four defenseman and primo penalty killer. Sweeney also acquired two draft picks, including a conditional first-rounder in 2026, as part of the swap. If Minten indeed matures into that point-producing center's role, the deal would rank among the best in Sweeney's 10-year tenure in the corner office. With the franchise about to log its first playoff DNQ since 2016, his continued tenure as GM could turn on whether last Friday's 'fixes' quickly wiggle the Bruins back to being bona fide Cup contenders. For his part, Minten said he was thrilled upon learning he'd been sent to such a 'sick' organization as the Bruins — yes, fellow Boomers, sick is a good sick — and hoped one day soon to explore Boston. His total time in the Hub, he figures, amounts to some 36 hours, a stop here 8-10 years ago when he joined his grandparents on a cruise that went from the Canadian Maritimes to the Hub of Hockey. Advertisement 'Let's see … that's a long time ago … but we went to Harvard, and toured the campus,' recalled Minten, reached by phone as he drove to Rochester, N.Y., this past week, following a stop in Toronto to tidy up visa issues. 'We also went to Fenway Park, that was awesome … the first time I saw a major league game, so that was really cool. I'd definitely love to get there for another game.' The Wall, per usual, made its lasting impression on the first-time Fenway visitor from British Columbia. 'I definitely have a vivid memory of the Monster,' noted Minten, regrettably yet to learn proper 'MON-stuh' pronunciation. 'I think there was a home run hit over it during that game … but … I could be just making that up, I don't really remember.' There is no universal Canadian experience when it comes to learning hockey or chasing the NHL dream. Contrary to the common US perception, not every kid there grows up on remote farmland (good morning to the Sutter brothers in Viking, Alberta) and first skates on a frozen patch carved out next to the barn. In and around Vancouver, the more common experience is for players to learn the game in rinks in large, hockey-crazed suburbs north, east, and south of the city. In that sense, Minten was an anomaly, taking his first strides right downtown on the streets around his family's apartment building. His learn-to-play scenario tracks with that of ex-Bruin great Rick Middleton , who grew up in the Scarborough section of Toronto and often credits his endless hours of street/ball hockey for building and refining his skills, particularly stickhandling. Advertisement 'Honestly, there's almost no kids I played with, or went to school with, or played near me,' who went on to take the game seriously, said Minten. 'I was a city boy. There was a lot of street hockey for me. Vancouver didn't have outdoor rinks — it doesn't get cold enough — so it was [roller]blades and running shoes for me to kind of get involved in the game.' Then, too, there was piano, the chopsticks and hockey sticks phase of his life. Young Fraser Minten, at his parents' urging (read: insistence) began playing at age 8, and took lessons faithfully until age 14 when his proficiency on the black and white keys, as judged by the Royal Conservatory of Music, earned him high school course credits. He put aside the piano and had more time to play hockey, which ultimately led him to top junior (Western Hockey League), the NHL Draft, and the Leafs. It can be hard to find a piano while building a life darting from rink to rink, noted Minten, but he still enjoys playing when time and circumstance permit. A number of online video clips show he has an excellent touch. 'Lately, I've been learning 'Clair de Lune,' ' said Minten, referring to a classical piece by Claude Debussy that translates as 'Moonlight.' 'It's been a work in progress for me, definitely one of my favorites to listen to and fun to learn. Like regular music, you listen to something for a while and then move on to something new. But that's what I've been jamming to recently, I guess you could say.' Advertisement If there's a connection to tickling the ivories and the skills required to chase after a chunk of vulcanized rubber, Minten has yet to find it. 'No idea,' he said. 'Maybe a neuroscientist could figure it out, but I don't see any correlation.' He is the piano man. And for the Bruins, center is a position sad and sweet, and ready for a younger man's clothes. TRADE DEADLINE THOUGHTS Winner and losers? To come We'll know in the coming weeks how the winners and losers shake out across the league from the many NHL deadline deals on March 7. The one that looks No. 1 from here right now was made weeks earlier, the Avalanche acquiring Martin Necas in the Jan. 24 swap with Carolina for Mikko Rantanen . Necas has fit in seamlessly and productively with Colorado (17 games: 6-11–17), while Rantanen, uh, well, not so much. Related : The 6-foot-4-inch Rantanen all but flatlined (13 games: 2-4–6) with the Hurricanes, who turned around and flipped him to the Stars at the trade deadline. Not the kind of action we typically see around elite performers. Per Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour , Rantanen informed the Hurricanes they were not on a list of four teams with whom he cared to continue his career. Rantanen, with an eight-year/$96 million extension inked in Big D, said he never made such a claim. Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland , whose playing career topped out at club hockey at Pace University, also landed free-agent-to-be Brock Nelson from the Islanders. The 6-4 Nelson moved into the No. 2 pivot hole behind Nathan MacKinnon , and also allowed the Avalanche to move Casey Mittelstadt to the Bruins for Charlie Coyle (best utilized as a No. 3 center). It looks as if MacFarland won the overall swap meet, though he surrendered real assets in Rantanen and a top prospect, 6-2 Calum Ritchie , in the Nelson swap. The 27th pick in the 2023 draft, Ritchie is wrapping up a solid junior career at OHL Oshawa and could challenge for a roster spot at Islanders camp in September. On the flip side, the Sabres grew curiouser and curiouser, dealing young, right-shot center Dylan Cozens to Ottawa for another young center, with a left shot, in Josh Norris . Both are solid players with promising futures, but they are sort of the same player and Norris has an injury history. For the Sabres, who just can't seem to get out of their own way, it feels like a sideways move. Meanwhile, Cozens goes to a Senators club that finally looks as if it will make the playoffs. In other words, he is in hockey heaven, considering the Sabres will continue a string in which they have not made the playoffs since the spring of 2011. Also, Luke Schenn began the week with the Predators, where he signed in the summer of 2023. He then was dished Wednesday to the Penguins in a deal that sent Michael Bunting to Nashville. Schenn was on the move again, dished at the trade deadline to the Jets for a second-round pick in 2026. Schenn has been a valued blue-line horse for a long time (1,058 games) and for a lot of clubs (now nine total). But at age 35, on a Jets team structured on speed, he looks like a curious fit back there. Rantanen (right) all but flatlined (13 games: 2-4–6) with the Hurricanes before being shipped to Dallas. Ethan Cairns/Associated Press MAN'S BEST FRIENDS Swayman recalls trail days Jeremy Swayman , proud son of a podiatrist and of Anchorage, can also boast that in years past he volunteered at the start line for the state's annual iconic Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which wrapped up Friday. 'Booties,' mused a smiling Swayman, thinking back fondly to his volunteer days as a teenager. 'I helped put the booties on all the dogs.' Of course he did. Heck, when your dad's a podiatrist, feet are the name of the game. Even an amateur musher knows that a dog's only as good as the footwear that can withstand the constant beating of a race that typically lasts 10-12 days across snowy, rough, and oft-unforgiving terrain. This year's Iditarod was its 53rd iteration and it covered 1,128 miles from Fairbanks to Nome — the longest version of the run ever. A paucity of snow this winter meant pushing off well north of the usual starting point in Willow (north of Anchorage). 'It's pretty special,' noted Swayman. 'My dad [ Ken ] had Kristy as a patient and we got to become really close with her, and she had us come out to the kennel a bunch of times and meet the dogs and feed 'em and see what it's like.' Kristy Berington is among the sport's top female mushers and owns and operates Seeing Double Sled Dog Racing in Knik, Alaska, not far from Anchorage. Swayman owns Jade, a female mushing dog, who is his constant companion when he returns to Alaska each summer to fish and walk trails — bear spray at the ready. His start line duty, said Swayman, included helping to fit each dog with four booties and generally keeping the revved-up canines in order before the race began. 'You help harness 'em and just keep 'em ready to go,' he said, 'and keep 'em calm because they're so excited to run.' Swayman has not been at the finish line in Nome, which, he said, 'is in the middle of nowhere.' As an elite athlete, he can appreciate what the Iditarod men, women, and their many four-legged friends must endure on the grueling course. 'The stuff that they go through is unmatched,' said Swayman. 'Obviously, the weather, like negative-50 wind chill, and then the isolation at times. It's no joke. It's a journey … a lot of respect for the Iditarod participants and the dogs.' This year Jessie Holmes was crowned champion when he barreled his faithful charges across the finish line at 2:55 a.m. (Who wins anything at 2:55 a.m.?) Winning time: 10 days and some 15 hours. On top of his winner's share of the $500,000 pot, Holmes picked up additional prizes that included $4,500 in cash, $4,500 in gold nuggets, and 25 pounds of salmon. It was not immediately known if new booties were part of the bounty. Jeremy Swayman recalled helping put the booties on dogs involved in the Iditarod race. Amanda Loman/Associated Press Loose pucks One of Fraser Minten's teammates at WHL Kamloops was fellow centerman Logan Stankoven , the 22-year-old rookie shipped from Dallas to Carolina March 7 in the deal that brought Mikko Rantanen to the Stars …The Sabres will have gone 14 years without an appearance in the postseason. The cap figure across those 14 years has gone from $64.3 million to $88 million. Figuring owner Terry Pegula has averaged some $75 million in annual payroll, that puts him right around $1 billion over that term without selling a single playoff ticket … Gone and almost forgotten: Jordan Oesterle , the journeyman who filled in for 22 games and logged 1-5–6 along the Bruins blue line this season. He was plucked off waivers by Nashville before the March 7 deluge … Reminder: veteran coach Joel Quenneville was granted absolution last July by commissioner Gary Bettman , clearing the path for the ex-Blackhawks coach (with three Cup wins) to get back behind a bench. He'll be 67 in September, a bit gray by today's NHL standards, but it's a surprise he hasn't been hired. Look for that to change this offseason, if not sooner. Quenneville resigned in Florida, where he began the season 7-0-0, as part of the ugly fallout in Chicago related to the Kyle Beach sexual assault case … Ex-Bruins blue liner Dougie Hamilton , who missed most of last season because of a torn pectoral muscle (and subsequent surgery) will be out of the Devils lineup for weeks because of a lower-body injury. It's possible he'll get back if the Devils, also without primo center Jack Hughes , can get on a long playoff run. Had Jakub Zboril stuck around the Rock after his professional tryout contract in September, he might be back in the NHL on the Devils blue line. Zboril, one of the trio of first-round picks by the Bruins in 2015, instead returned to Czechia, where he signed a five-year deal with Pardubice, the city known for Dominik Hasek and its trademark gingerbread … Brad Marchand , when reminiscing this past week about his early days in Boston, credited his time spent with Mark Recchi as helping him to understand the dedication needed to have a long, successful NHL career. 'He was 82 years old, doing wind sprints on the treadmill after the game,' said a smiling Marchand, 'and I'm eating a slice of pizza. I'm like, 'Wow, I might need to change a few things here.' ' Kevin Paul Dupont can be reached at
CBS News
11-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Brad Marchand makes his return to TD Garden with Florida Panthers
Brad Marchand was back on the ice at TD Garden on Tuesday, but he was not sporting his usual Black and Gold sweater with a Spoked-B in the middle. Instead, the former Bruins captain was in enemy colors, donning his new Florida Panthers uniform for the first time. It's a sight that is going to take a while for Bruins fans to really accept, though they won't have to deal with it Tuesday night when the Bruins play the Panthers for the first time since last week's Marchand trade. The winger is still out with an upper-body injury and will not play in Tuesday's tilt. Marchand will likely be in a suit as he watches the game from the ninth floor. But don't be surprised if the Bruins have a video tribute waiting for their former captain. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said after the team's morning skate that Marchand remains week-to-week, and his new team hopes to have him make his Florida debut near the end of the regular season. But that didn't make his participation in Tuesday's morning skate for the Panthers any less strange. Brad Marchand on skating with the Panthers After skating with his new teammates for the first time, Marchand told reporters the last four days have been a whirlwind. After spending his entire career with the Bruins, just about everything has been different for Marchand following last week's trade. "It still felt weird and odd," Marchand said. "It was great to get out there with them and start that process. But coming in here, and the way they do their meetings and warmups, it's just an adjustment. You learn and follow suit, but it's different from your day-to-day routine, especially being here for 16 years." He's had to juggle getting to know his new teammates, trying to find a place to live in Florida, and getting treatment on his injury since the Friday trade that sent him to the Panthers. He's also had his family on his mind, as his wife and two young daughters are remaining in Boston. Then there's also the matter of digesting the trade itself. It's been a lot for Marchand to take in, and he has new appreciation for players who have been dealt at the deadline. "I feel terrible about the lack of understand I've had for guys in the past who have come and gone. I have a new respect for guys who have had to deal with that. I wish in the past I had more empathy and understanding for what guys were going through when they were joining our team or leaving our team," he said. "That was one of the biggest takeaways I've had with this situation." But Marchand is thrilled to be a member of the Panthers, calling them the top contender in the NHL and the toughest team he had to play against this season. "I don't look at this job as real life," Marchand said. "We're so fortunate to play a game for a living and do something we absolutely love. You work for a couple of hours a day, doing something you grew up doing and only in your wildest dreams did you think it was something you could do for a job. "I still get to do what I love, play in an incredible place, and play a game for a job. I'm so grateful of the opportunity I'm provided every day," he said. Even though he's the new guy on the defending Stanley Cup champs, Marchand will not be changing his game with the Panthers. "Do you think I need to tone it down? My wife does, but I'm just going to be me," he said. Brad Marchand reflects on career with Bruins Marchand is certainly excited for the next chapter of his career with the Panthers. But as a pending free agent, he was asked if he would consider a return this offseason if Boston comes calling. The Bruins and Marchand couldn't agree on an extension prior to Friday's trade, and he wasn't sure what will happen this summer. But it does sound like he'd be open to return to Boston. "I don't know what the future brings in terms of how it plays out in the summertime. I know it didn't come together now. Can things change down the road? Potentially. But that is to be seen. I'm sure we'll have a conversation, but I don't know where that goes," he said. "Obviously, I would still love -- my love for this city and the will to want to be here has never changed and I don't think that will ever change," he added. "Whether we have a meeting of the minds and it comes together, it remains to be seen." Marchand spent several minutes praising Don Sweeney, Cam Neely and the Bruins brass as one of the best front offices in the business. He thanked them for all the opportunities the franchise gave him, and said he doesn't hold any ill-will against the organization over his trade to the Panthers. He would have loved to have won more with the Bruins and retired having only worn a Boston sweater. But he understands the business side of the game, and will always cherish the memories he has with the Boston Bruins. "My biggest thing is when I look at the situation, we were an incredible team for a long period of time. Maybe we didn't achieve everything we wanted throughout that time, but you give up a lot in those runs. You give up a lot to get to those runs. It gets to the point where it catches up to you. But the job and will to win is there every single year. Management has done an incredible job making us a competitive team and giving us a chance to win," he said. "We knew there was a window, and we maxed that out," Marchand continued. "We had an opportunity a few years ago and we came up short. We dropped the ball on that one. That was our year and they went all-in the years leading up to that season. When you look at an opportunity like that, it doesn't come very often. Ultimately, it was on the players and we didn't do our job in that situation." Marchand is grateful the Bruins found a way to do what is best for the team for the future, and also do right by him in sending him to a contending team in the Panthers. "Eventually, decisions have to be made that are tough. They had their right intentions. I won't get into the details on everything, but they tried to do what was best for the team and also give me an opportunity to stay if I wanted to," he said. "I want to win and I'm a competitor. The guys in that office are competitors and they want to win. They're not going to go down a path of building losing teams. They're doing what they feel is right to build for a bright future with a young core. You can't get upset about those things. "Yeah, I would have loved and it would have been incredible to have that fairy tale ending. But they're doing what is right for the guys in the room. They can't choose one guy over 20 guys and the millions of people that support the team," Marchand continued. "I don't get lost in all of that and have a tremendous amount of respect for ownership and management and everyone involved in this organization," he added. "That's why you want to come here, because they just want to win and will do what it takes. ... I don't have anything bad to say because for a very long time, they've put our team in position to contend and to win. That's all you want as a player."
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bruins Management Issue Statements After Brad Marchand Trade
The Boston Bruins made several trades leading up to the March 7 deadline, but none were more significant than the deal that sent Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers. This officially marked the end of an amazing era in Bruins history. On March 8, Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs, Bruins president Cam Neely, and Bruins GM Don Sweeney all released statements thanking Marchand for his incredible 16-year tenure with the Bruins. "In Boston we've been fortunate to witness the rise of generational talent who fostered a culture of excellence within our locker room and led our club to victory," Jacobs said. "Brad Marchand, our captain, Stanley Cup championship and Bruin of 16 years, will forever be a part of that legacy. While we made our best efforts to keep Brad in black and gold for the rest of his playing career, he now embarks on the next chapter of his journey. We wish him, his wife Katrina and their three children Sloane, Sawyer and Rue the utmost success." Jacobs then expressed confidence in Neely and Sweeney running the show in Boston. "Cam, Don and the hockey operations team have my full support as they make these very difficult decisions, which we collectively believe will set our franchise up for a new era of success in the future. Our goal remains unchanged: to be a Stanley Cup Championship-drive organization. Together, we are changing a course for the next century." While speaking about Marchand, Neely said that the No. 63 was a true Bruin. "Brad wore the Black and Gold with a tremendous amount of pride for 16 years," Neely said in his statement. "He embodied what it means to be a Bruin. His dedication and contributions both on and off the ice leave a lasting impact, and I personally wish he, Katrina, Sloane, Sawyer, and Rue all the best in the next chapter." Statements from Charlie Jacobs, Cam Neely, and Don Sweeney: — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 8, 2025 As for Sweeney, he highlighted Marchand's journey to becoming a star for the Bruins and how motivational the former captain was. "Being underestimated was all the motivation Brad Marchand needed to work harder than anyone to earn a chance to grow from a bottom-six agitator to NHL superstar,' Sweeney said in his statement. 'Then he evolved into a true leader, a captain, an example for all those who aspired to wear the Spoked-B to show them what it takes to compete and win at the highest level and, even more, to do so for the Boston Bruins." Sweeney added: "On behalf of my family and the entire Bruins organization, I want to thank Brad for all of his contributions as one of the greatest Bruins and to wish he, Katrina, Sloane, Swayer and Rue continued success and happiness. Thank you, Brad." Recent Bruins News Former Bruin Brandon Carlo Opens Up About Maple Leafs Trade Bruins' Don Sweeney Reveals Reason For Brad Marchand Trade Bruins Trade Mass. Native Marc McLaughlin Bruins Trade Brandon Carlo To Maple Leafs In Surprising Deal Boston Bruins Acquire Defenseman From Buffalo Sabres Bruins Trade Brad Marchand To Panthers In Shocking Deal
Boston Globe
08-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Bruins GM Don Sweeney made stunning trades with an eye on a quick turnaround. Will it work?
And so it was Friday for Carlo and Coyle, and for injured captain Brad Marchand , who remained back home, Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Related : Advertisement Along with fellow veteran Trent Frederic , wheeled to Edmonton earlier in the past week, GM Don Sweeney cleaved off a humongous amount of institutional player memory. Those four wore the Spoked-B in a collective 2,496 games, including 326 in the playoffs. Now they're gone, each no doubt stunned, although all four landed with a legit Cup contender. That fact has to be a measure of solace, and also a trade week record: most players, one team, dealt to the most teams (Maple Leafs, Oilers, Avalanche, Panthers) with a good chance of hoisting a Cup this June. 'Want to wish each and every one of them well,' Sweeney mused Friday. 'They are going to teams that we are jealous of … .had we done our jobs, if I had done my job appropriately … we would be adding like we have in 10 previous years.' It was officially time to turn the page, the Bruins close to inking in their first playoff DNQ since Sweeney's first season (2015-16) as GM. Sweeney also offered the hope of a quick turnaround, pinning his aspirations on the remaining core group (headlined by Jeremy Swayman , Charlie McAvoy , and David Pastrnak ), and how the player assets acquired at the deadline fall into place. Advertisement Some of those new personnel were on the ice Saturday afternoon, a Day 1 snapshot hard to assess fairly, given the emotional and physical state of everyone in Joe Sacco's lineup, as well as his fellow coaches behind the bench. Indeed, it's a business, everyone gets that, but if logic and emotion were so easily harnessed and separated, Mr. Spock never would have been such a intergalactic curiosity (raise one eyebrow here in homage to the ol' West End's spaceman, Leonard Nimoy ). Sweeney's theory of a franchise quick pivot will be tested and judged over time. In the immediate, however, he and his staff have to start hitting on the draft picks garnered in recent days. Keep in mind, those draft picks are 18 years old, and not all of them will be selected in June '25. In fact, one or two or more could be dealt away because this is a team, today, on the outside looking in at the league's elite, very much in need of adding game-ready talent. The thing is, we all know the draft record under Sweeney's watch has been, shall we say, somewhat spotty. Ditto, too, for free agency, where busts such as Matt Beleskey and David Backes delivered pennies on their big dollars. There have been some decent unrestricted free agent hits in market–budget hires Jaroslav Halak and Morgan Geekie — but overall it has been a monetary minefield. Last July's hires of Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov (total cash commitment: $84.25 million) now look like the worst, priciest one-day blunder in club history. Advertisement Some quick, important math before we go: the cap hits removed from the offloading of Frederic, Marchand, Carlo, and Coyle totaled $17.775 million. The substantial cap hits added back Friday were Casey Mittelstadt (two more years at $5.75 million) and Henri Jokiharju (expiring $3.1 million). Per Assuming Jokiharju is signed for a figure close to $3.1 million, then the rough numbers around the seven aforementioned players leave the Bruins with some $8 ,milliohn more in cap money to bring into the July 1 UFA market. There remains a lot of drilling down on the roster, including inevitable moves in and around the June draft, but that net $8 million in theory represents a top-six forward, possibly a top-pairing defenseman. The number jumps to some $11 million if Jokijharju ends up elsewhere. The unknown identity of that $8 million-$11 million player is essentially the unascribed 'future considerations' of all the Sweeney moves. Success is never about one player. If so, Connor McDavid and the Oilers would rule the Original 32 domain. But the potential UFA hire to come, or how that added cash factors into a trade or two for more personnel, should be a significant factor in the team Sweeney and team president Cam N eely put on the ice in October. Because, all sentiment and emotion aside, everything around that bouncing puck is a business proposition. For Bruins fans who might have thought otherwise, trade week '25 will stand as the 'aha!' moment of a lifetime, just as it did for a generation a half-century ago when Phil Esposito saw his Black and Gold suddenly turn into a Blueshirt. Advertisement In happier times, Brad Marchand (center) celebrates Charlie Coyle (right) after the Weymouth native scored in a Dec. 23 game. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Geekie brothers Morgan tells Conor to stay focused The Geekie Bros. act, Morgan and Conor , was minus one sibling Saturday afternoon at Amalie Arena. Morgan, who scored both Bruins' goals in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., was at his familiar left wing spot while Conor was with AHL Syracuse, prepping for the Crunch's tilt Sunday against Wilkes-Barre Scranton. Big brother Morgan's advice: stay focused … and enjoy the ride, albeit while dealing with the inherent disappointment that comes with being sent to the minors. 'You kind of feel like you're losing your spot, or losing a step on everybody else,' noted Morgan, an arm injury in early February in part the reason Conor was sent down from the varsity. 'Because there's always that opportunity that someone else can take your job … that's kind of the nature of the business, I think. As you get older, you figure out that things are going to happen as they happen — they'll have a place for him.' Conor, a first-round pick (Arizona, No. 11) in 2022, is only 20, the same as many college sophomores and even some freshmen. Straight out of junior (Swift Current), he began this season with Tampa Bay and posted 12 points in 49 games before getting hurt. Like his older brother, he has size (6 feet 4 inches, 207 pounds), and is a left-shot center. The Lightning, a solid Cup contender again, have the luxury of roster depth that allows him to incubate. Advertisement 'To be sent down is not a bad thing at all,' added Morgan, who spent two full seasons at AHL Charlotte before the Hurricanes finally made him a lineup regular. 'Lots of guys, the majority of the guys have come from the AHL. I did it … I got sent down. I remember having a really good weekend and it can help with your confidence, get more touches. Here [at the NHL level], if you're not an established guy, it can be hard to get those touches and get your confidence up … you may not have the leeway or the leash to try things and make plays. Then you're gripping your stick too hard and everything snowballs into a bad storm.' Conor can feel some solace, too, in that his big, older (26) brother, needed to get to Boston, his third NHL team, for his game finally to flourish at the top level. Morgan entered Saturday's action with a career-high 22 goals and is in line for a hefty pay boost when he bargains for a contract extension as a restricted free agent this spring. 'Its tough going from the NHL to the AHL,' said Morgan, with added reflection on the two leagues. 'Because you get a taste of how good the NHL is and, you realize you've played, say, 50-odd games at this level … and I know he's itching to get back. We haven't talked a lot about it, other than, you know, get your confidence back to where it was when you made the team.' During his days in Charlotte, noted Morgan, the Checkers were more fortunate than many/most minor league clubs in that they rarely traveled by bus. It was almost always air travel, though via commercial airlines instead of the private charters NHL clubs enjoy today. 'It's the always-hungry league and the never-hungry league, right?' added Morgan, comparing the AHL to the NHL. 'It's the little things and they add up in the NHL. It's a different life up here that we try not to take for granted. Hockey-wise, the [style] of play is a big difference, too; up here it's a little bit cleaner and maybe a little less physical, too, because guys are faster and always in the right spots … things add up.' A final bit of brotherly advice, Morgan to Conor: savor all of it. 'It's going to be good for him … and he should try not to rush it … obviously, you want to get out of there as fast you can,' he said. 'But try to cherish your time down there. Some of my best memories of pro hockey are in the minors, just because you hang with the guys so much. He'll be fine. He's just got to take it all in stride, and I am sure he will.' Morgan Geekie (right) has some advice to offer his brother Conor. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Cup aspirations Lightning strike for the present Tampa's roster depth, already among the league's elite, added extra layers Wednesday when GM Julien BriseBois forked over a load of draft goodies, including a pair of first-rounders, to bring back Yanni Gourde , along with the oft-undervalued Oliver Bjorkstrand . Gourde and Bjorkstrand, previously with Seattle, made their way to Tampa Bay via a three-way tango that also included the Red Wings (where BriseBois's former boss in Tampa, Steve Yzerman , is the GM). The Kraken netted the pair of first-rounders in 2026 and '27 (top 10 protected) and a second-rounder in '25. BriseBois's clear message: players play and contend today, draft picks offer promise, but … 'I'd rather have a lineup full of good players than a bank of a lot of draft picks,' he said. 'Ultimately, we're trying to win a lot of hockey games. We're trying to win a lot of hockey [games] this season, next season, every season. We're chasing a championship now, this season, but we're going to be chasing a championship for the foreseeable future.' If it weren't true, that might be perceived as hubris. However, the Bolts indeed have the goods, and they've had them for some time (Cup wins in 2004, 2020, and '21). They also have one of the game's elite coaches in Jon Cooper (last seen in Boston behind the victorious Team Canada 4 Nations Face-Off bench). Then there's Nikita Kucherov , Victor Hedman , Andrei Vasilevskiy … overall, an embarrassment of riches that likely mean the Kraken will be shopping very late in the first round with those two primo picks — if they don't instead package them up with their own Round 1 picks to acquire bonafide plug-in players. Sweeney held similar roster gold at the 2018 deadline when he landed swap days' biggest fish, a 33-year-old Rick Nash , from the Rangers. The foundation then included Tuukka Rask , Zdeno Chara , co-elite centers Patrice Bergeron / David Krejci , Brad Marchand , and David Pastrnak . But for yet another concussion Nash incurred in only his 11th game, the Bruins might not have needed until the following spring to reach the Cup Final. Right trade. Wrong outcome. Sweeney also surrendered a first-round pick (No. 26) in that deal. BriseBois's hardest decision, far tougher than surrendering high draft picks, was allowing franchise legend Steven Stamkos to walk as a free agent last July. Like Yzerman long ago in Detroit, Stamkos for years was the Tampa franchise, after being selected No. 1 in the 2008 draft. Stamkos last season delivered 81 points and led the Lightning in playoff goal scoring (five). He was still delivering big, healthy numbers at age 34 and had the brand value of the Mercedes logo. No deal. Come July 1, he departed for a four-year/$32 million deal in Nashville, where, let's say, the good times haven't followed. It can be a ruthless business, one full of emotion (part of the industry's engine) and rampant with second-guessing among the fan base and especially media. BriseBois, in the moment, is handling the GM role with the best of 'em, alongside Bill Zito (Florida), Jim Nill (Dallas), Kelly McCrimmon (Vegas), and Kevin Cheveldayoff (Winnipeg). Confident goaltender Binnington handling Blues' turnaround In their eight games prior to the 4 Nations siesta, the Blues were fading fast (2-5-1) in the West and looked positioned to sell off assets at the deadline. After their win Friday night over the Ducks, they were 7-1-1 in their last eight in the thick of a scrum with Calgary, Vancouver, and Utah for the conference's last wild card seed. Not hard to see 'the belief in the room,' noted Jim Montgomery , the ex-Bruins coach who took over a 9-12-1 club from Drew Bannister in November. It can be a mistake to place too much credit in the goalie, but it looks justified here. Jordan Binnington , stellar in backing Canada to the 4 Nations title, went 4-0 in his first four starts, with a .943 save percentage, once back from the tournament. His win Friday made him a perfect 5-0 in five starts. 'I knew Binnington was really good with the puck,' said an admiring Andrew Raycroft , the ex-Bruins backstop and now NESN reporter/commentator. 'But he is out of this world with his puckhandling. That's what stood out so much, and made such a difference, for Team Canada.' Binnington's biggest trophy win also came at the Garden, the night he and the Blues snuffed out the Bruins in Game 7 of the Cup Final. 'He was good in '19, and people talked about his puckhandling then,' noted Raycroft. 'That was a big difference for the Blues when he came up — they became a better team instantly when he came up because he got out and moved the puck.' Binnington, then only 25, had appeared in but one NHL game when the desperate Blues called him up mid-season from AHL San Antonio. The sixth goalie selected (No. 88 overall) in the 2011 draft, he went an astounding 24-5-1 in the regular season and then 16-10 in the postsesaon. Only one Boston shot beat him in Game 7. 'He's just built so much on his confidence,' said Raycroft, watching Binnington workout at the Garden the morning of the gold medal game. 'Canada's game against Finland, he must have touched the puck 35 times — he was out [of the net] every single time and he didn't miss.' Kevin Paul Dupont can be reached at
