But in his first presser as a Panther, he showed no bitterness to Sweeney or the Bruins. In fact, it was quite the opposite reaction in a moment that was equal parts emotion and pragmatism. He also lavished praise on Sweeney, who has been taking plenty of heat here for trading a player whose No. 63 will be raised to the Garden rafters some day.

Don Sweeney explained the decision that went into the team trading captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers for a conditional pick.

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has broken his silence on the trade that sent longtime captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers. Sweeney, speaking about the moves completed by the Bruins ahead of Friday's deadline, called Marchand's trade a “really, really difficult decision.”