2015 NHL Draft Weekend Winners and Losers

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Loser: Boston Bruins

Mar 14, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston Bruins center Ryan Spooner (51) and defenseman Dougie Hamilton (right) congratulate left wing Milan Lucic (middle) after Lucic scored a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

OK, what on earth was Don Sweeney thinking? I get that he opened up cap space, sending Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings (it was only a matter of time before Lucic was traded), but he didn’t do much else to help the Bruins prepare for next season.

The whole Dougie Hamilton trade was pretty baffling. Sure, there were reports that Hamilton was an uppity kid and no one on the team really liked him, but who knows if there is any truth to those rumors. This was a ridiculous trade. Fine, you want to trade Hamilton—go for it. You want to trade Hamilton for nothing—are you kidding? That’s basically what Sweeney did.

In his first big move as general manager, Sweeney surprises everyone by moving Hamilton to the Calgary Flames and in return the Bruins got the 15th, 45th, and 52nd overall picks in this year’s draft. I’m sorry, but the Bruins were the loser in this trade. Moving a 22-year-old defenseman who will only continue improving over the next few seasons for draft picks? It isn’t as if Hamilton is some scrub. No, he is a quality player that should have received quality players in return. Awful move.

Overall, the Bruins really just secured a backup goaltender. And, I’m sorry but don’t they have enough potential in that position already? (Malcolm Subban, Zane McIntyre) Additionally, the Bruins lost three everyday players by trading off Lucic, Hamilton and Carl Soderberg (who also was sent to the Avalanche in a separate trade).

I just don’t get it and I can’t imagine the B’s fans being too pleased with their new GM.

Next: Winner: Edmonton Oilers

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