Don Sweeney Very Candidly Said Bruins Trade Was About 'Adding Skill'

Don Sweeney Very Candidly Said Bruins Trade Was About ‘Adding Skill’ originally appeared on NESN.
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The Boston Bruins executed a trade on day one of the 2026 NHL Draft that sent the 23rd overall pick to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for second-line winger JJ Peterka.

When Bruins general manager Don Sweeney was asked about the deal after the first round of the draft had concluded, he was very candid with his response. 

“Speed, skill, he’s got an elite shot,” Sweeney said. “We’ve said — repeatedly — we’ve acknowledged that we are a competitive group. And our guys did a really, really good job last year, but we are trying to get deeper and add speed.”

What may sound like coach speak to another team reads like a challenge from the general manager for Bruins fans. 

Sweeney understands that what happened two seasons ago, when Boston missed the playoffs entirely and was forced to start a rebuild, is still felt to this day. While a playoff berth last season was a great start, the Bruins are a long way from the lofty expectations set by their fans 

Sweeney made the expectation known that if he feels like the guys in the locker room are simply not good enough to bring this team where it needs to go, he will go out and spend big to find players he believes are. 

On top of adding skill to the lineup, Sweeney also provided some concrete reasons he believes Peterka will fit in Boston. 

“Gives us another look on the elbows on the power plays,” Sweeney said. “His 5-on-5 production has been really good. He plays both wings, could probably play with a couple different types of centers. Can help drive a line but can also help complement some better guys.”

Bruins GM Don Sweeney talking about the trade for JJ Peterka and what he brings to the Bruins roster.

🎬 By Marc D. Cappello pic.twitter.com/5DXtPVTDIL

— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) June 27, 2026

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