For weeks, the backlash toward Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney was relentless. Trading away franchise icon Brad Marchand—for what many felt was a low return—sent shockwaves through the fanbase. It was the kind of move that sparked outrage, with some even calling for Sweeney’s removal as the Bruins’ GM. But now? The mood is shifting. Or rather, swallowing that bitter pill for a better tomorrow that isn’t plagued with losses for the franchise. Have the Bruins bounced back from the loss of Marchand?

Maybe not, but the fan base is starting to show progress in terms of looking at the broader picture, and maybe, just maybe, Sweeney might have been onto something that the fans missed seeing. As fans take a step back and look at the full scope of Sweeney’s trade deadline work, many are starting to admit that maybe he knew what he was doing after all. With multiple top draft picks, young prospects, and a revamped roster, the long-term vision is coming into focus. And suddenly, the narrative around Sweeney is far less hostile.

Sweeney’s deadline strategy

Although the Marchand trade was painful, Sweeney wasn’t just selling—he was strategically reloading. The Bruins’ GM executed a series of transactions that accumulated assets for the future while maintaining the team’s competitiveness at the present.

Key additions from the deadline include Casey Mittelstadt, a highly skilled center with the potential to develop into a top-six playmaker for the Bruins. Additionally, Jakub Lauko and Marat Khusnutdinov are two high-energy forwards whose playing style resembles that of former Bruin Joakim Nordström. The team also added top-tier prospects Fraser Minten, Beckett Zellers, and Artemi Kniazev, which strengthened Boston’s depth.

Furthermore, the Bruins acquired multiple 1st- and 2nd-round draft picks, providing General Manager Sweeney with the flexibility to either develop young talent or trade for proven NHL stars. Despite the heartbreak of losing Marchand, the Bruins didn’t tear everything down—they made calculated moves to remain competitive while setting themselves up for the future. Slowly, fans started to respect that.

The initial fury over the Marchand trade still lingers, but a new sentiment is creeping in—respect for how Don Sweeney handled the rest of the deadline. While emotions ran high after the Bruins parted ways with their captain, some fans are now stepping back and reevaluating the bigger picture.

Fans begin to give Sweeney his flowers

One fan admitted that after taking a breath, Sweeney’s work at the deadline made a lot more sense. “Now that the dust has settled and I can look at it without being pissed off. Sweeney did his job, and he did it good.” For many, the sting of losing Marchand hasn’t disappeared, but there’s growing optimism about how the front office navigated the trade deadline. The return may have felt underwhelming at first, but with high-value picks, young talent, and smart acquisitions, the Bruins are positioning themselves for the future.

However, not everyone is fully convinced, especially when it comes to Mittelstadt’s role in the Bruins’ rebuild. Some see him as a solid piece, while others believe Boston still lacks that true franchise-altering superstar—the kind of player who can turn a good team into a championship contender. One fan summed up the debate with a direct take: “Sweeney did a great job at the deadline. The only thing I will disagree with you on is Mittelstadt. Not hating on the kid. Think he is gonna be a nice piece here, and could 100% be the 2C long term.”

This perspective reflects the bigger concern lingering over Sweeney’s work—has he done enough to build a championship roster, or is Boston still missing that one game-changing star? While many fans are starting to appreciate Sweeney’s approach, the Marchand return remains a sore spot.
“I think every move except for the Marchand one was worth it if you take a step back. Marchy for a conditional second hurts, though, even if it turns into a first.”

That’s been the hardest pill to swallow for the Bruins faithful. Marchand wasn’t just another player—he was the heart and soul of Boston hockey for over a decade. And for some, that makes the trade a tough one to forgive. But what’s undeniable is that Sweeney operated with a sense of urgency. One fan acknowledged that the Bruins GM worked the phones with purpose and pressure: “Yeah…Sweeney approached this year’s trade deadline like his job depended on it.”

As fans continue to process the moves, many are coming around to the idea that Boston actually did well with the assets they acquired. “I actually like what they did this year at the deadline. Yeah, Marchy will be missed, I loved the guy, but it makes sense when you step back and look at it.” The final verdict on Sweeney’s deadline moves will ultimately come down to how these trades play out. While parting ways with Marchand will never sit well with a chunk of the fanbase, the Bruins GM stockpiled assets, bolstered the prospect pool, and added impact players to keep the team competitive.

And if these moves translate into a deep playoff run or a blockbuster future deal? That’s when Sweeney will truly redeem himself in the eyes of Boston fans. For now, the debate continues, but as one fan put it: “Looks like Sweeney redeemed himself from the trade deadline.” Whether it’s a true redemption arc or just temporary optimism, only time will tell. For now, the tone has shifted. What once looked like a complete disaster now has the potential to be a masterclass in long-term roster building.

But if the Bruins fail to find that elite playmaker? Then, and only then, will the criticism come roaring back.