Don Sweeney faces backlash for a controversial signing made in the off-season

Last season at the NHL trade deadline, the Bruins acquired defenseman Henri Jokiharju to bolster right side depth for the stretch run. The move itself drew little outrage, as Boston needed insurance and Jokiharju came at a manageable cost.

The controversy arrived later. During the offseason, general manager Don Sweeney signed Jokiharju to a three year contract extension, a decision that quickly split the fanbase. Many expected Boston to explore the free agent market for a right shot defenseman instead.

Jokiharju, 26, carries a $3 million cap hit. His on-ice impact since arriving in Boston has been modest, and his current stint on injured reserve has only amplified frustration.

Fans argue the Bruins paid term and money for a player who has not clearly separated himself from internal options. With cap space tight and depth already thin, every dollar matters, especially on the blue line.

Jokiharju's underlying numbers have been steady but unspectacular.

To be fair, Sweeney likely valued familiarity and cost certainty. Jokiharju knew the system, accepted a defined role, and did not require assets to retain. In a flat cap world, predictability matters.

Still, optics matter too. When a player is injured and struggling to stand out, patience wears thin fast. Bruins fans are conditioned to expect defensive reliability paired with value.

For Sweeney, the criticism is part of the job. But as the Bruins chase stability on the right side, this signing will remain a measuring stick for how well calculated bets are paying off.