Boston Bruins: Top 30 Draft Picks of All Time

15. Don Sweeney – 1984 – 166th Overall

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Before Don Sweeney put on a suit and became a member of the management team in the Bruins organization, Don Sweeney skated in 1,115 games, including 1,052 as a member of the Boston Bruins. While not known for his point scoring ability, having only scored 52 goals and 221 assists for 273 points in his career, Sweeney was a very effective defenseman for the Bruins for many years.

Similarly to Hal Gill, Don Sweeney was able to use his defensive ability to earn him a spot in the NHL for over 1,000 games, although Sweeney had to do it at only 5-foot-10 and weighing 184 pounds, as opposed to Gill’s 6-foot-7, 250 pound frame. Sweeney used his high hockey-IQ as well as his good anticipation to make plays throughout his career, and it clearly worked well for him, as well as the Bruins.

As a general manager, Don Sweeney has shown that he isn’t afraid to make big moves, and in his first season as the Bruins general manager, he has used his hockey smarts to totally restructure the team; seemingly for the better.

Next: #14 Is No Longer In Boston, But Will Always Be a Beloved Former-Bruin