Welcome to Meet a ‘New Canuck’, the annual series that introduces you to the newest members of the Vancouver Canucks. Our next entry is forward Loui Eriksson.
Meet a New Canuck: Loui Eriksson
Canucks management expressed a desire to make a splash in free agency, and they certainly did that. Signing Eriksson, a star Boston Bruins forward, to a six-year deal at $6 million per year was the splash they were looking for. While perhaps a tad extravagant for some, the contract was a statement that the organization was in it to win it. Will it work? Only time will tell. But for now, the pressure is on for Eriksson to perform, and if history’s any indicator, he probably will.
Over the course of his 725-game National Hockey League career, Eriksson has put up an impressive 212 goals and 504 points, a 0.7 points per game average. The 31-year old has been the model of consistency, scoring at least 20 goals in seven of ten seasons (including the lockout year, game-adjusted). For the Canucks, a goal-starved team, boasting a player with such regular offensive prowess is crucial. Coming off a 30-goal campaign this past year, he will be relied upon to at least come close to matching that should they maintain their hopes of being competitive. Playing alongside Henrik and Daniel Sedin, with whom he has played at the international level, should make this a relatively achievable task.
While his most recent stint has been as a member of the Bruins, Eriksson spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Stars. He spent his first seven seasons in Dallas, including his two career-best offensive campaigns, when he put up 36 goals in 2008-09, and a whopping 73-points in 2010-11. While strong on the offensive side of the puck, Eriksson is widely regarded as an exceptionally well-rounded player.
This past year, the winger was named a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy, an award given out annually to the player who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship, along with a high-standard of play. He was nominated alongside eventual winner Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings) and Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers). Along with a reputation for being a high-caliber defensive forward, Eriksson checks off all the boxes of a well-rounded forward. Eriksson’s complete skill set will be invaluable for a team looking to develop its young forwards, as he will be relied upon to be a strong role model for the club.
Going back in Eriksson’s career, the 31-year old was selected in the second round, 33rd overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Stars. After being drafted, Eriksson played as a member of Vastra Frolunda HC of the Swedish Elite League (SEL), followed by a stint with Frolunda HC. His debut campaign in North America came with the American Hockey League‘s Iowa Stars. Over the course of 78 contests, Eriksson put up 31 goals and 60 points, a strong first season and one that would go on to reflect his NHL production.
Only time will tell whether or not the Eriksson signing is one that works out for the Canucks. Perhaps the team misses the playoffs by a significant margin, and the signing turns out to have been for nothing. It’s a plausible scenario to be certain, but for now, management and fans should be happy with both his track record, and his profile.
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