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Sweeney prepared to trade Boston’s first-round pick

2016 NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Boston Bruins General manager Don Sweeney speaks to the media during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jen Fuller/Getty Images)

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Bruins GM Don Sweeney is ready to move the 18th overall selection at this year’s draft.

“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t explore what could improve our hockey club now in the shorter term,” Sweeney told the Boston Herald this week, while at the NHL Scouting Combine. “I owe it to our players and the organization to continue to do that.”

“It’s certainly an area I’ve looked at that if we can improve, then we would move it.”

More: Are the top three picks at the draft all in play?

There’s a myriad of reasons Sweeney’s open to moving the pick. The perceived weakness of this year’s draft is one. Boston’s immediate roster needs -- an upgrade at left wing, and on defense -- is another. There’s also the fact that Sweeney’s done a nice job of stockpiling young prospects over the last two years.

In 2015, he snagged a trio of first round talents in Jakub Zboril, Jake DeBrusk and Zach Senyshyn. Last year, two more in Charlie McAvoy and Trent Frederic.

Add it all up, and it’s easy to see why Sweeney could be working the phones in the coming weeks.