How much support for Sweeney as GM?

[bp13]

His legacy here is going to be tied to how the draft picks turn out. Simple as that. His trade record is a mixed bag. His NHL signings are less than stellar so far. So it all comes down to the kids and how they develop. If they start contributing at the NHL level, it could all turn out very well for him. If they don't, he's on the fast track out of town.

But how many years is he allowed to miss the playoffs while still making present-day NHL acquisitions before perception changes? He's likely to miss this year. If he misses next year, and I see little reason to believe they'd be appreciably better next season, that's 3 in a row. Is he then still tied to draft picks, a few of which he didn't even make himself, or can we also look at all the missed playoff years with some key players in their prime and/or losing effectiveness?

Again I argue the guy may be a good judge of talent and certainly seems to be a player developer. But in 2 years of NHL roster construction he's been bad. Mixed bag of trades, bad signings, no hockey trades to improve the roster in either season. He's not a GM he's a director of player development sitting in the wrong seat. Again I maybe give him one more year to learn, but so far the results aren't very good.

 

[LSCII]

But how many years is he allowed to miss the playoffs while still making present-day NHL acquisitions before perception changes? He's likely to miss this year. If he misses next year, and I see little reason to believe they'd be appreciably better next season, that's 3 in a row. Is he then still tied to draft picks, a few of which he didn't even make himself, or can we also look at all the missed playoff years with some key players in their prime and/or losing effectiveness?

Again I argue the guy may be a good judge of talent and certainly seems to be a player developer. But in 2 years of NHL roster construction he's been bad. Mixed bag of trades, bad signings, no hockey trades to improve the roster in either season. He's not a GM he's a director of player development sitting in the wrong seat. Again I maybe give him one more year to learn, but so far the results aren't very good.

If It were me, and keep in mind that I didn't want Sweeney to start with, I'd give him the remains of this year and then next. If the picks don't start contributing next year, it's more than time to make a move. I get that people talk about the picks, but his trades have been marginal at best down to horrendous, and the veteran UFA signings have been suspect. He hasn't done anything to vastly improve this team in 2 seasons now. He gets one more kick at the can, but that's it.

 

[DKH]

His legacy here is going to be tied to how the draft picks turn out. Simple as that. His trade record is a mixed bag. His NHL signings are less than stellar so far. So it all comes down to the kids and how they develop. If they start contributing at the NHL level, it could all turn out very well for him. If they don't, he's on the fast track out of town.

Two things I notice and not even as much here - fans have Sweeney accountable for all 3 years and younger fans especially those without children are way way more into change and snap judgments

 

[TheBigBadB]

It really all depends on his first round draft picks. I said average for now, but he needs some more time to hopefully see the fruits of his labor.

 

[bp13]

If It were me, and keep in mind that I didn't want Sweeney to start with, I'd give him the remains of this year and then next. If the picks don't start contributing next year, it's more than time to make a move. I get that people talk about the picks, but his trades have been marginal at best down to horrendous, and the veteran UFA signings have been suspect. He hasn't done anything to vastly improve this team in 2 seasons now. He gets one more kick at the can, but that's it.

Right there with you. I'll give him next year, unless he makes some trade in the meantime to try to win this year, then I'd be done with him right away.

He hasn't shown any ability to improve the NHL roster. It's all based on faith in prospects, which might pan out, but even if a few of them do he's still going to have to add around them, plug holes, make changes as needed. He hasn't shown he's even remotely capable of those things. I mean the fact is if you added a couple quality kids in the next year or two and were threatening a real recovery, would you really want Sweeney in charge of making the remaining trades/signings to put them over the top? I sure wouldn't. So I'll give him another year to prove me wrong.

 

[radmcfad]

Overall, I think he's average.

Really, I don't think he's done anything to warrant a more positive opinion than that.

 

[Absurdity]

So when a GM signs players and they come in and do poorly, the GM doesn't deserve blame for their underperformance? Be fair...how does that work? If they were good would he get credit for signing them? I'm sorry but if the GM signs guys and they fail and he doesn't get criticized then he's got a cushy job.

And I get all the excuses for each move, but they haven't panned out. It's a business of results, and they haven't been good. If it's not on the GM to know whether players will perform well but only to pick players who've performed well in the past, anybody could be GM. The art is picking players who will play well here, and he has failed at that.

No, you are definitely right that the GM needs to be held accountable for his moves. It's why I gave him an average rating. Hayes and Beleskey were pretty good last season, first with the team, but they have dropped off this season. He brought them to the team, but I don't see how their drop off this season is solely Sweeney's fault.

Although the Kevan Miller signing makes sense, it could be argued that it may not have been necessary, McQuaid already on the team.

I'm guessing you are talking more about Sweeney signing Backes which is fair to question. I see why they signed him, but I think it is debatable if the Bruins would be better off making a trade for a winger on a short-term contract rather than signing Backes for $6M/5y. They definitely needed to add a forward with Eriksson leaving regardless of whether it would be by trade or FA. Many here still think this team doesn't have enough talent. I could only imagine how this team would be without Backes and without a replacement.

If I was Jacobs, I would still give Sweeney one more season to turn this team around. They may not be world beaters next season, but I think Sweeney deserves the chance to show everyone that this team is trending in the right direction.

 

[SpitfireIX]

Hamilton has 9 points in his last 9 games and is having another good year in Calgary. A pretty far cry from the "garbage fire" some on here labeled him as... We could sure use him in the lineup right now...

 

[Gator Mike]

Hamilton has 9 points in his last 9 games and is having another good year in Calgary. A pretty far cry from the "garbage fire" some on here labeled him as... We could sure use him in the lineup right now...

He's been pretty dang good this year. Still not great in his own end, and still being somewhat sheltered, but pretty dang good. And you're right - the Bruins could definitely use a defenseman like him right now.

...but he was a garbage fire last season.

Either way, it's irrelevant. When you don't respond to Boston's offer for months, and then sign basically the same deal Boston offered you once you're traded to Calgary, you didn't want to be in Boston.

 

[bearcountry17]

Hamilton has 9 points in his last 9 games and is having another good year in Calgary. A pretty far cry from the "garbage fire" some on here labeled him as... We could sure use him in the lineup right now...

Still outside the top 100 in aTOI for dmen and playing almost 2 minutes less than Dennis Wideman. Still could use the kid but he's pretty pricey to be a #4 dman.

 

[BruinDust]

He's been pretty dang good this year. Still not great in his own end, and still being somewhat sheltered, but pretty dang good. And you're right - the Bruins could definitely use a defenseman like him right now.

...but he was a garbage fire last season.

Either way, it's irrelevant. When you don't respond to Boston's offer for months, and then sign basically the same deal Boston offered you once you're traded to Calgary, you didn't want to be in Boston.

Exactly.

We can debate the return and how it was handled all day.

Personally I thought Sweeney should of gotten at least 1 NHL player in the deal, and stood his ground until he did.

But Hamilton wasn't going to be here, he wanted to leave, I don't think there is much to debate on that.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

He gets a 2 from me until he shows the ability to make a trade that can actually benefit the NHL team.

I like that we've stockpiled some youth, but I feel like even that was a bit accidental, since he tried to trade 3 of his first round picks for a player in 2015, and he inherited a lot of the guys we point to as good young depth... Guys like Pasta, Vatrano, Czarnik, Heinen, Blidh, Acciari, Bjork, Donato, McIntyre, Cehlarik, Gryz, O'Gara...

We should do a second poll after the deadline. How he handles this next month is critical. All in or all out? Pick one and make your mark.

Sweeney was the AGM and by all accounts is/was heavily involved in the scouting side of things. If he's getting blame for Seguin as the AGM, guess he should get credit for the prospects.

Even if three picks were traded for a Hanifan, Provo, or Werenski, the cupboard would still be pretty full.

 

[Duguay]

Exactly.

We can debate the return and how it was handled all day.

Personally I thought Sweeney should of gotten at least 1 NHL player in the deal, and stood his ground until he did.

But Hamilton wasn't going to be here, he wanted to leave, I don't think there is much to debate on that.

Was at the game last night. Hamilton was very good/ even excellent at times. I can attest to the fact that his presence in Black and Gold would make a significant difference NOW and he would have provided a nice transition, to a more mobile transitional blueline.

That was the initial plan anyway, but making and executing plans is not one of this managements strong points. Not yet anyway.

 

[Duguay]

He's been pretty dang good this year. Still not great in his own end, and still being somewhat sheltered, but pretty dang good. And you're right - the Bruins could definitely use a defenseman like him right now.

...but he was a garbage fire last season.

Either way, it's irrelevant. When you don't respond to Boston's offer for months, and then sign basically the same deal Boston offered you once you're traded to Calgary, you didn't want to be in Boston.

I believe there are lots of NHL players who would avoid the Boston market at this time, if given a choice.

That needs to be changed.

 

[Duguay]

If It were me, and keep in mind that I didn't want Sweeney to start with, I'd give him the remains of this year and then next. If the picks don't start contributing next year, it's more than time to make a move. I get that people talk about the picks, but his trades have been marginal at best down to horrendous, and the veteran UFA signings have been suspect. He hasn't done anything to vastly improve this team in 2 seasons now. He gets one more kick at the can, but that's it.

This is how I am approaching it. I think this is fair, and wise. I believe that team ownership should be researching/studying/talking to people who can potentially lead this franchise in a modern, professional manner moving forward.

The old boys stuff has to go.

These are multi billion dollar businesses. They need good businessmen who stay out of hockey, and good hockey men who stay out of business.

If any changes were made, I think it would be fair to let Sweeney transition the transition. If that didn't work out, then I think he'd be a fine, fine AGM or Development Guru.

I am not sure he even really enjoys being a GM? I does seem to go against his grain.

 

[bp13]

No, you are definitely right that the GM needs to be held accountable for his moves. It's why I gave him an average rating. Hayes and Beleskey were pretty good last season, first with the team, but they have dropped off this season. He brought them to the team, but I don't see how their drop off this season is solely Sweeney's fault.

Although the Kevan Miller signing makes sense, it could be argued that it may not have been necessary, McQuaid already on the team.

I'm guessing you are talking more about Sweeney signing Backes which is fair to question. I see why they signed him, but I think it is debatable if the Bruins would be better off making a trade for a winger on a short-term contract rather than signing Backes for $6M/5y. They definitely needed to add a forward with Eriksson leaving regardless of whether it would be by trade or FA. Many here still think this team doesn't have enough talent. I could only imagine how this team would be without Backes and without a replacement.

If I was Jacobs, I would still give Sweeney one more season to turn this team around. They may not be world beaters next season, but I think Sweeney deserves the chance to show everyone that this team is trending in the right direction.

And I agree with this.

But to me, if we are okay with giving him one more year, why rate him as "average"? He's not good enough to be considered average. He's about to miss the playoffs two years in a row despite moves and signings aimed at making the playoffs. That is undeniable. He didn't sell Loui, he kept Julien, kept all his vets, even added Backes to an unwise long-term deal for an aging player, re-signed all the mediocre, older dmen. He was clearly aiming to make the playoffs, and he's gonna fail both times.

Again, because he's hitched to the kids and because they look promising, I give him one more season to show he can actually build/improve an NHL roster. But to date, he hasn't done well. I'm not sure how anyone can argue that. So I have no idea how people think he's "average". And rating him above average is comical. If he's above average at this point then my coffee mug could be an NHL GM.

 

[Therick67]

And I agree with this.

But to me, if we are okay with giving him one more year, why rate him as "average"? He's not good enough to be considered average. He's about to miss the playoffs two years in a row despite moves and signings aimed at making the playoffs. That is undeniable. He didn't sell Loui, he kept Julien, kept all his vets, even added Backes to an unwise long-term deal for an aging player, re-signed all the mediocre, older dmen. He was clearly aiming to make the playoffs, and he's gonna fail both times.

Again, because he's hitched to the kids and because they look promising, I give him one more season to show he can actually build/improve an NHL roster. But to date, he hasn't done well. I'm not sure how anyone can argue that. So I have no idea how people think he's "average". And rating him above average is comical. If he's above average at this point then my coffee mug could be an NHL GM.

I think he gets an average grade, because the two other donkeys seem incompetent - while Sweeney appears to be good at something (hopefully).

I can't give you anything good for JJ or Neely. So Sweeney is the tallest midget, if you will.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

Was at the game last night. Hamilton was very good/ even excellent at times. I can attest to the fact that his presence in Black and Gold would make a significant difference NOW and he would have provided a nice transition, to a more mobile transitional blueline.

That was the initial plan anyway, but making and executing plans is not one of this managements strong points. Not yet anyway.

Awesome...one game.

I can tell you that I have witnessed many games where Dougie was a trainwreck in his own end for the Flames. Plus, there is that little detail about him not wanting to play in Boston. A minor thing, I know, but a factor nonetheless.

He would likely help the B's right now (offensively at least), but I'm not shedding any tears about not having to pay a #4 D $5.75m per for the next 4 years.

 

[Duguay]

Awesome...one game.

I can tell you that I have witnessed many games where Dougie was a trainwreck in his own end for the Flames. Plus, there is that little detail about him not wanting to play in Boston. A minor thing, I know, but a factor nonetheless.

He would likely help the B's right now (offensively at least), but I'm not shedding any tears about not having to pay a #4 D $5.75m per for the next 4 years.

41 points in 51 games.

He'll have a long and prosperous NHL career.

Like the Bruins couldn't use that instead of Liles and take your pick, K.Miller/McQuaid?

That's about 4.5/4.75 of it right there.

Not wanting to be here? Too bad. Don't care. He was only an RFA and good managers don't ever cave on that notion. If they did the CBA wouldn't work as designed and Agents would be running the game.

Management left a hole on the active roster, didn't get any immediate help and didn't get a roster player back. Inexcusable, unless a team is going for an intended dive, or selling off. Never the intention in Boston.

If Sweeney loses his gig, this will be one of the major factors. Mark my words.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

41 points in 51 games.

He'll have a long and prosperous NHL career.

Like the Bruins couldn't use that instead of Liles and take your pick, K.Miller/McQuaid?

That's about 4.5/4.75 of it right there.

Not wanting to be here? Too bad. Don't care. He was only an RFA and good managers don't ever cave on that notion. If they did the CBA wouldn't work as designed and Agents would be running the game.

Management left a hole on the active roster, didn't get any immediate help and didn't get a roster player back. Inexcusable, unless a team is going for an intended dive, or selling off. Never the intention in Boston.

If Sweeney loses his gig, this will be one of the major factors. Mark my words.

I will be waiting with baited breath.


ps When I last checked NHL.com it said Dougie had 32 Pts in 51 games. You giving him bonus points now for style?


pss I wish the B's had a D-man that could put up 30+ points in a 2nd pair role...

 

[Duguay]

I will be waiting with baited breath.


ps When I last checked NHL.com it said Dougie had 32 Pts in 51 games. You giving him bonus points now for style?


pss I wish the B's had a D-man that could put up 30+ points in a 2nd pair role...

Yes, my mistake. His 32 would lead all Bruins Defenseman nonetheless. Points from the Blueline/ a monster stat. Look at how valued points are from that position around the league right now. I am going to be doing a breakdown, as soon as I get a chance, on just how valuable these points are. That way we can keep an eye on it through the Playoffs.

 

[Speed Shooter]

At this point, I want to see what he does at the trade deadline. So i guess I'm going to say average for the moment.

I have more faith in him than JJ or Cam, but I'm not sure that's much of a compliment.

Groundhog Day? Not only did I say it last year myself, but I remember a ton of other posters said the same thing.

And then trade deadline happened.

And then we couldn't believe Sweeney's pilfering draft picks for retreads that got us .... nowhere except out of playoffs.

That wasn't enough to make your up mind? Were you of the same mindset last year, or were you still optimistic after the Stempniak/Liles and non-Loui trades happened?

 

[Ladyfan]

I didn't vote...It is too soon . I am giving him a chance.

I haven't approved of some of the things done but we will see.

 

[Therick67]

Groundhog Day? Not only did I say it last year myself, but I remember a ton of other posters said the same thing.

And then trade deadline happened.

And then we couldn't believe Sweeney's pilfering draft picks for retreads that got us .... nowhere except out of playoffs.

That wasn't enough to make your up mind? Were you of the same mindset last year, or were you still optimistic after the Stempniak/Liles and non-Loui trades happened?

I didn't like it, wanted them to sell, not trade more picks for rentals.

Having said that, it was his first trade deadline and am curious to see what he does this year. If they can't make a move that is geared toward the future and is just a rental to make the playoffs I won't be happy.

We also have to consider what his bosses are telling him. If he's being told what to do, then that's a problem.

 

[Speed Shooter]

Apart from the expansion draft, he probably extended Kevan Miller because there was no guarantee a prospect like Carlo, although many saw the talent was there, would play top 4 minutes.

The Backes signing was to replace or come close to Eriksson's numbers while adding some toughness to the team. Also looking down the road, the Bruins have a lot of winger prospects so there is the flexibility of going with Bergeron, Krejci, and Backes down the middle with young guys filling out the open wing positions.

Nash is a pure expansion draft signing. He is a cheap 4th liner/13th forward to be exposed along with Hayes.

Liles was an insurance signing in case Krug was out at the start of the season, Krug was supposed to miss a month of game time. He's a fine 7th defenseman.

The Khudobin signing was to add a backup that the Bruins needed. He was familiar with the system as well so it's a plus.

The Hayes/Smith deal was to relieve the Bruins of Savard's contract.

The Lucic and Jones trades were good in my opinion. The Bruins lucked out getting something for a player like Lucic who got a ridiculous contract and is currently trending downward.

In my opinion, I don't think blame can be put on Sweeney for the underperformance of these players. Hayes is good for around 30pts and is not even close to that this season. Khudobin is a decent backup but has not been this season. Nash and Liles get played in positions they shouldn't as well.

You think it's fine to pay a 7th defenseman $2m in a salary cap era? Really?