Despite heavy rumors leading up to the trade deadline, the Bruins have decided to keep winger Loui Eriksson. While the team and Eriksson have not agreed on an extension, general manager Don Sweeney has called the move his “own rental”
Sweeney’s admission Bos might keep Eriksson as “own rental” helps explain the slow play in negotiations. Interesting option. #TradeCentre
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 28, 2016
Sweeney (on Eriksson): “The deal had to be right. It had to be right for this organization.”
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 29, 2016
Loui Eriksson Traded
Eriksson, 30, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is currently in his last year of a 6-year/$25.5 million contract, originally given to him by the Dallas Stars. His final season on this contract sees him making $4.5 million, with a cap hit of $4.25 million. The Bruins continue to try and work on an extension, but the two sides remain far apart.
Eriksson is a solid option at forward, but with age no longer on his side, he is seen as a solid option for a 2nd line with the possibility of 1st line minutes here and there. Despite the fact that he will be turning 31 this offseason, his 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points this season for the Bruins will surely be viewed to the point that his play has not declined with his age.
He was selected with the 33rd overall pick of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars, with whom he played his first seven seasons with. Eriksson, who has played his 9+ year career with the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins, has 205 goals and 489 points in 706 career games.
If the Bruins don’t re-sign Eriksson by July 1st, he will be a highly sought after free agent.
The Bruins also added Lee Stempniak and John-Michael Liles on Monday, bolstering the team for the playoffs.
Main Photo via Getty Images/NHL Collection.
