Bruins promote Benning, Sweeney

WILMINGTON -- The Bruins promoted two executives yesterday on the final day of the team's weeklong development camp.

Jim Benning, formerly director of player personnel, was named assistant general manager, replacing Jeff Gorton, who was fired last month. Don Sweeney, who oversaw the camp, was named director of hockey operations and player development.

"They're both going to get expanded duties," said GM Peter Chiarelli. "Jim's area of expertise is player evaluation. He's going to oversee much of the operation from an assistant GM perspective. Donny's going to continue player development. He's been outstanding in that. Real outstanding. He'll be overseeing it more now and he'll be in the day-to-day operations."

The 44-year-old Benning served as the Buffalo Sabres' director of amateur scouting before Chiarelli hired him July 25, 2006. In 2006-07, Benning worked from his home in Sherwood, Ore., but will move to New England for the 2007-08 season. Benning's old position will not be filled.

Sweeney, 40, who was hired June 21, 2006, as director of player development, spent much of last season on the road. The former Boston defenseman monitored prospects' development and also traveled approximately once a week to Providence to work on the ice with the P-Bruins. Sweeney said he hopes to continue his on-ice work, but Chiarelli said Sweeney will oversee the development process more so than be a hands-on teacher.

"I'm just excited to be part of the organization and building something that I know is really good when it happens here in Boston," Sweeney said.

Amid the promotions, the Bruins may be losing their last link to the old regime. According to the Toronto Star, former GM and president Harry Sinden, 74, now the club's senior adviser, has been in talks with the Maple Leafs about filling their senior consultant position. The Leafs have interviewed former Detroit coach Scotty Bowman and ex-Ottawa GM John Muckler for the job, which would involve working alongside GM John Ferguson Jr.

Chiarelli and Bruins coach Claude Julien both said yesterday they were getting very close to hiring an assistant coach. Chiarelli also said the two have discussed hiring a team psychologist and have been talking to one candidate.