Sweeney was pleased to welcome back Development Camp after having to scrap the annual event last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The GM - who began his front office career with the Bruins in player development - believes the week-long, orientation-like camp is crucial to creating a strong relationship between the players and the organization.
"Everybody is a little unique in where they are in their own trajectory, whether this is the first time coming to camp or whether they've been to several camps, and where they are on their own teams also," said Sweeney. "But I do believe what we tried to accomplish this week is us learning about the players on an individual level - where they are with their skill and also where they are off the ice and how they fit and vice versa, how the player feels about our organization, whether they've just been drafted or they're returning, how much they've grown as a person, how much we've continued to evolve, what the opportunity is for them."
While it is far too early, in most cases, to determine where or how the camp participants may fit into the Bruins roster, Sweeney believes there is plenty to be gained, particularly when it comes to understanding how the players operate off the ice.
"This isn't a week when we necessarily find out if anyone is ready to play in the NHL," said Sweeney. "But we sure as heck find out what their habits are like, how hard they're willing to work, and what type of teammate they're going to be."
The camp concluded with a day of scrimmaging on Friday. Team Black took the final exhibition, 4-2, over Team White behind goals from Parker Ford, Trevor Kuntar, Quinn Olson, and Dustyn McFaul. Curtis Hall and Anton Malmstrom added the goals for Team White.