LAS VEGAS - After 29 years in professional hockey as a player and executive, Don Sweeney attended the NHL Awards for the first time. Consider him one-for-one.
Sweeney was voted by his peers as GM of the Year, besting his fellow nominees Don Waddell of the Carolina Hurricanes and Doug Armstrong of the St. Louis Blues.
"I just don't think you can leave a stone unturned in terms of appreciation for the organization," said a humble Sweeney after receiving the ward. "Top to bottom. You guys are a part of this. It really takes everyone to be fully invested to have success. It's difficult to win. We have a group that just decides is all in. From the smallest of times that you're able to go and enjoy breakfast together as a staff, I think you guys would recognize that we have a devoted organization, we have a committed group. Our players and the coaches, really throughout the organization it's a testament to the hard work and an acknowledgment on their behalf."
As Sweeney Is Recognized, He In Turn Recognizes Others
The 2018-19 GM of the Year credits the organizations leadership and his inspiration from his wife and sons.