“He did it good”: Brad Marchand trade still stings, but Bruins fans see a bigger picture of GM Don Sweeney’s long term plan

Boston Bruins fans initially lashed out at GM Don Sweeney for trading franchise icon Brad Marchand, but the sentiment is shifting. While the trade still stings, many now see Sweeney’s vision—he wasn’t just selling; he was reloading.

The backlash against Bruins GM Don Sweeney for trading Brad Marchand was intense, but the mood is shifting. Fans are starting to see the bigger picture Sweeney wasn’t just selling; he was reloading. With top draft picks, young prospects, and a revamped roster, his long-term vision is taking shape. While the loss of Marchand is still painful, the Bruins remain competitive, and Sweeney’s strategy is gaining more acceptance.

Key Bruins additions include Casey Mittelstadt, Jakub Lauko, and Marat Khusnutdinov, along with top prospects Fraser Minten, Beckett Zellers, and Artemi Kniazev. Sweeney also secured multiple high draft picks, balancing future growth with present competitiveness. While losing Marchand was painful, fans are starting to respect Sweeney’s calculated approach.
One fan commented, “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.” One fan put it in simple terms,“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.”
Fans remain divided on Sweeney’s moves—while many appreciate his strategy, the Marchand trade still stings. Some argue Boston did well overall, securing key assets and prospects, but losing their longtime leader is tough to accept. The final judgment will depend on how these trades unfold.
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If these moves lead to a deep playoff run or a major future deal, Sweeney will earn full redemption. For now, opinions are shifting—what once seemed like a disaster could become a long-term success. But if Boston fails to land a true game-changer, the criticism will return.