The Boston Bruins are moving into their second round of interviews for the organization's vacant general manager's job, according to a league source.

The final group consists of four candidates. Among the four finalists is Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney, according to the source. Former Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero is also among the names mentioned as a possible finalist.

The source indicated the Bruins want to take their time in the hiring process to replace Peter Chiarelli, who was dismissed by the team after the Bruins failed to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

Team president Cam Neely explained after Chiarelli was fired that the organization would conduct an "exhaustive" search for the next GM, both internally and externally. Neely also said the next GM would decide the fate of coach Claude Julien.

Another possible candidate could be New York Rangers assistant GM Jeff Gorton. A one-time assistant GM with the Bruins before Chiarelli was hired, Gorton has helped build a perennial winner with the Rangers through solid drafting and developing.

Shero was a finalist with the Bruins before Chiarelli was hired in 2006.