Bruins Send Jeffrey Viel to Anaheim, Call Up Billy Sweezey for Defensive Reinforcements
The Bruins made a pair of roster moves Friday morning, shipping forward Jeffrey Viel to Anaheim and recalling defenseman Billy Sweezey from AHL Providence as they look to shore up their blue line depth ahead of a quick road swing through Chicago and Dallas.
Jeffrey Viel Heads West
Viel, 28, appeared in 10 games for Boston this season but didn’t register a point. His last game action came back on December 20 in Vancouver, where he logged just over seven minutes of ice time and picked up a pair of penalty minutes. That outing was his only appearance in the month of December.
Viel’s calling card has always been his physical presence, and that was on display during his limited time with the Bruins. He racked up 30 penalty minutes this season, including two fighting majors and an instigator misconduct. While he didn’t contribute offensively, he brought grit and energy in the bottom six when called upon.
Originally undrafted, the Rimouski, Quebec native signed with the San Jose Sharks and made his NHL debut there. In total, he’s played 64 NHL games, with all five of his career points (three goals, two assists) coming during the 2021-22 season in San Jose.
At the AHL level, Viel has carved out a lengthy career, skating in 349 games across stints with the San Jose Barracuda, Manitoba Moose, and Providence Bruins. He’s tallied 75 goals, 95 assists, and a hefty 688 penalty minutes in that span, along with 14 playoff appearances.
In return for Viel, Boston receives a draft pick - specifically, the higher of either Detroit’s or Philadelphia’s selection.
Billy Sweezey Gets the Call
To bolster their blue line, Boston turned to a familiar face in 29-year-old Billy Sweezey, recalling the rugged defenseman from Providence.
Sweezey, a Hanson, Massachusetts native, joined the Bruins organization on July 1, 2024, and has been a steady presence on the back end for Providence. Over two seasons, he’s appeared in 98 games, worn the assistant captain’s "A," and posted a plus-29 rating while amassing 100 penalty minutes.
Though he hasn’t seen NHL action since the 2022-23 season - when he suited up for nine games with the Columbus Blue Jackets - Sweezey brings a physical edge and a stay-at-home style that fits the Bruins’ defensive identity. He recorded one assist and nine penalty minutes during that stint with Columbus, including a memorable scrap with Jakub Lauko at TD Garden on March 30, 2023.
Sweezey went undrafted out of Yale, where he played four seasons before signing with the Blue Jackets in 2022. His path to the NHL has been anything but conventional, but his work ethic and physicality have earned him another shot at the big club - this time with his hometown team.
Depth Tested on the Blue Line
With Hampus Lindholm working his way back and Andrew Peeke now sidelined, the Bruins’ defensive corps is being tested. The addition of Sweezey gives Boston some insurance as they hit the road, joining Vladislav Kolyachonok as part of the team’s current depth options.
Sweezey’s recall is less about flashy offense and more about reliability, toughness, and giving head coach Jim Montgomery another trusted option on the back end. As the Bruins navigate through injuries and a tightly packed schedule, every bit of depth matters - and Sweezey could find himself called upon sooner rather than later.
For now, the Bruins continue to adjust on the fly, making calculated moves to keep their roster balanced and battle-ready.