In 1984, the Boston Bruins selected Sweeney in the eighth round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Bruins during the 1988-1989 season. Over the next 15 seasons, Sweeney became a fixture on the Bruins' blue line, known for his reliability and steady presence. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 186 pounds, he was not the most physically imposing player, but his intelligence and positioning made him an effective defenseman.
Throughout his playing career with the Bruins, Sweeney was known for his work ethic and consistency. He played in over 1,000 games for the team, a testament to his durability and importance to the franchise. Sweeney's style of play was characterized by his ability to read the game well, making smart decisions with and without the puck. While he was not known for his offensive prowess, he contributed when needed, tallying a respectable number of points for a defense-first player.
After leaving the Bruins in 2003, Sweeney spent a brief period with the Dallas Stars before retiring from professional hockey in 2004. His transition from player to executive was seamless, as he joined the Bruins' front office shortly after hanging up his skates. Initially serving in various roles, including director of player development, Sweeney's understanding of the game and his analytical approach made him a valuable asset to the organization.
In 2015, Sweeney was named the general manager of the Boston Bruins. Under his leadership, the team focused on building a competitive roster through a mix of drafting, developing young talent, and strategic acquisitions. Sweeney's tenure as general manager saw the Bruins consistently perform well in the regular season and make deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019.
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