Don Sweeney: Bruins Have Had 'Lot Of Conversations' With Teams Ahead Of Draft

The 2015 NHL Draft is a busy time for trade rumors and speculation, and Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said he’s had a lot of discussions with teams about potential moves leading up to the draft later this month.

“It has been busy,” Sweeney said Friday during a pre-draft conference call. “A lot of conversations with all the teams, everybody sort of trying to get a real good solid view of the landscape ahead of each and every one of us heading into the draft. It’s a testament — I’ll give you a little context — it’s a testament to Steve Yzerman and Stan Bowman to be calling teams right after a win and a loss, so that says a lot about those guys in general, but it also speaks to the importance of this time of the year.”

The Bruins own the 14th pick in the first round after failing to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2006-07 season. Sweeney said the Bruins are comfortable staying at No. 14 but also admitted he’s had talks with teams about potentially moving up or down in the first round.

“I think we are comfortable because we feel very good about the list in general,” Sweeney said. “We know the type of player, and the quality of player, that will be there. We’ve had talks moving in both directions, to be honest with you, and I think every general manager is going to have talks to see what may or may not transpire.

“Again, there are players higher up on the list that maybe you’d really have your eye on, and there are players further down that you turn around and say, ‘Well, I have value — if I move this pick, there’s going to be a lot of value of people that want to move up.’ And you might be able to ascertain something down below and I’m going to look at every option. I’m really not going to turn down anything. This situation I’m in now, I have to have my ears wide open.”

Trading up likely would come at a steep price given the extraordinary talent and depth in this draft. Teams picking in the top 10 are likely to select an impact player who potentially could develop into a foundational piece to a championship puzzle.

But even if the Bruins stand pat and pick at No. 14, there should be several good players on the board, and maybe some who could help the team as early as next season.

“I think we feel very comfortable that there’s going to be a tremendous player at 14 and throughout the draft,” Sweeney said. “I think the draft is deep and I think the first round is very exciting for everybody to be anticipating making choices.”