Bruins GM Sweeney: Hamilton rejected 'very significant offer' before trade to Flames

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It wasn't for a lack of trying.

That was the message sent by Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney following his decision to trade Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames in advance of the NHL draft on Friday.

"We extended Dougie a very significant contract offer and it didn't lead us where I thought it would," Sweeney said.

The GM added that he wasn't so much concerned with a potential offer sheet from another club, and said he didn't feel pressed into making a deal.

Rather, he accelerated the process in order to gain assets in Friday's draft.

In light of the trade, combined with the decision to deal Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings, Sweeney believes the Bruins can and will challenge for a playoff spot next season, partly by allowing young players to step up and fill those voids.

The Bruins hold the 13th, 14th and 15th overall picks Friday.