Sweeney: 'Had my fingers crossed it wasn't going to happen'

During the Bruins’ annual Media Day news conference, Jeremy Jacobs, Charlie Jacobs, Cam Neely, Don Sweeney and Bruce Cassidy all sat at the head table and answered questions about the upcoming 2017-18.

A few minutes after noontime, Sweeney reached in his pocket and looked at his phone. The Bruins’ GM glanced over at Neely and mouthed the word: “Vegas.” Neely wasn’t sure what Sweeney meant, so he then said: “Malcolm.”

The Bruins placed Malcolm Subban on waivers Monday in hopes he would clear and report to Providence, but Las Vegas Golden Knights GM George McPhee claimed the goaltender before the noon deadline on Tuesday. That means Zane McIntyre and Daniel Vladar will handle the goaltending duties for the P-Bruins.



Whether the Bruins would admit it or not, this is a blessing in disguise for the organization. Ever since the Bruins selected him in the first round (No. 24 overall) in the 2012 draft, Subban hasn’t developed into an NHL-caliber netminder as he enters his fifth pro season. In most cases, you never want to give up on a young goalie, but it was time to move on.

Cassidy, who also coached Subban in Providence, thought the goalie had finally looked comfortable and confident this season. Sweeney said it’s difficult to put so much time and effort into a player only to see it all go for naught.

“Malcolm is a very talented player, but he’s not an established National Hockey League player as of right now,” Sweeney said. “There’s some forecasting still to be done with him. We were excited about the progression he’s taken in the last little while.

“In a perfect world, he’s playing for us still. That’s really what you’re hoping for because you’re investing a lot of time and energy, as is the player, and he’s invested in our hockey club, so it’s a loss for us and it’s disappointing.”

Prior to the expansion draft, McPhee discussed Subban with Sweeney.

“Conversations about a bunch of different players that he may take, or had conversations about, and Malcolm was one of them,” admitted Sweeney. “I had my fingers crossed that it wasn’t going to happen. That’s part of the business and we wish Malcolm success in the opportunity he’s going to get, but it’s a loss for us.”

Vladar missed the entire camp due to offseason wrist surgery, but he’s been cleared to play in Providence.

“He’s behind a little bit in that regard, missing all of camp,” Sweeney said. “We feel very good that Zane had the type of (2016-17) year that he had and he’s waiting in the wings and he was disappointed he’s not here as the backup. He’s going to work for an opportunity.

“It’ll be a good situation that you’ve got an experienced goaltender in Zane that can carry the load, and we’ll work Daniel in at this stage. And, we’ll have to look at some other options that can supplement that duo.”

After the Media Day news conference, the players assembled in the locker room and many were disappointed that the Golden Knights claimed Subban.

“I think he looked great,” said Tuukka Rask of Subban's performance in camp. “We were joking about his new pads and how he looks like a goalie now. He even said it; he looked bigger and filled the net very well. He’s a great guy and it’s tough to see him go because he’s a great character guy. We wish him the best in the future because he’s going to be a good goalie.”

David Pastrnak and Subban became close friends during their time in Providence and their friendship was evident during training camp this season as the two were always joking around on and off the ice.

“It’s tough,” Pastrnak said. “You like him and he’s a funny kid and we always had so much fun. I wish good luck to him and obviously I’m going to miss him. Hopefully he’s happy and will get a chance to play in the NHL.”