Boston Bruins: Loui Eriksson Signs Six Year Deal With Vancouver
Boston Bruins: Loui Eriksson Signs Six Year Deal With Vancouver Canucks
The Boston Bruins and Loui Eriksson could not come to terms on a deal. After scoring 30 goals and 63 points last season, the Bruins simply couldn’t justify handing out a six year contract to the soon-to-be 31 year old winger. The discussion between the Bruins and Eriksson was stifled due to a disagreement in term, however, as Eriksson was heart-set on the six year term.
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Many fans of the Bruins were questioning general manager Don Sweeney‘s asset management abilities after failing to trade Eriksson at the trade deadline last season. The appeal of signing a contract to play next to his country-mates in the Sedin twins was too high for Eriksson, and the willingness to offer him that elusive six-year deal was enough to seal the deal.
Loui Eriksson brings more than points and scoring, however. The veteran winger has made a career for himself as one of the best, and most underrated two-way players in the entire National Hockey League.
With the loss of Eriksson, the Bruins needed to act quickly to find another winger who could back-check and score timely goals. The signing of David Backes for the next five seasons will likely help fill that hole, but it probably won’t be quite the same.
Eriksson never had a fair chance in Boston due to his status as “the guy the Bruins got for Tyler Seguin“. Despite the adversity that he faced, including two concussions, Eriksson performed admirably with the Bruins in his three seasons. With a fresh start in Vancouver, Eriksson should be able to thrive, especially given the success that he’s had internationally with both Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
Next: Bruins Free Agency 2016: David Backes
Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins are looking to make the playoffs after two consecutive missed-bids, losing Eriksson likely isn’t a good way to start. Only time will tell, but this off-season started off in a bad way with the trade-off of Eriksson for Backes, especially given the age gap and term given.