With the NHL now on the Olympic break, fans and analysts will examine where some teams sit, many in positions vastly different than what was projected at the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. One of the big surprises is the Boston Bruins. A team many assumed would struggle has found new life.
One writer and analyst is calling for an apology to general manager Don Sweeney. Mike McMahon, Publisher of College Hockey Insider newsletter, is all over fans who criticized the Bruins’ approach to the season. They are sitting comfortably at 32-20-5 with 69 points and firmly in the Atlantic Division playoff picture.
He writes:
“He’s not going to get it, but a lot of people owe Don Sweeney and the Bruins front office an apology. 32-20-5 at the break with a potential top-10 pick + Fraser Minten for Brandon Carlo. Plus, great depth finds with Alex Steeves, Jonathan Aspirot. And they have Hagens & Dean Letourneau (told you he’d be fine) developing.”
Sweeney was a lightning rod for criticism, especially over questionable drafts and uneven trades. However, a few moves have proven smart, specifically the trade that sent defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Fraser Minten.