Loui Eriksson – An Underrated Star
Loui Eriksson has long been one of the most underrated players in the NHL. Prior to being traded to the Bruins, Eriksson went on a tear in Dallas for four consecutive seasons. From 2008 until the end of the 2011-12 season, Eriksson posted four seasons with at least 25 goals and 63 points, including three with 70 points each. He played in a total of 501 games in Dallas, scoring 150 goals and 357 points before being traded to Boston.
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Eriksson’s first season with the Bruins was hampered by concussions and was limited due to Eriksson’s usage. With fellow Swedish player Carl Soderberg on the team, Eriksson was used on the team’s third line alongside Soderberg – something that limited Eriksson’s ice time and offensive ability. He scored just 10 goal and 37 points in 61 games in his first year with the Bruins but had a solid rebound effort in his second season. With 22 goals and 47 points in 81 games, Eriksson started to show signs of his old self.
Gone So Soon
It wasn’t until Eriksson’s final season in Boston, however, that he really shined. In 82 games, Eriksson scored 30 goals and 63 points and showed why he was so highly coveted by the Bruins in a deal that sent one of the league’s best players to Dallas.
The Bruins were ultimately unable to retain Eriksson in the offseason, however, and the veteran winger signed in Vancouver as a result. In 60 games with the Canucks, Eriksson has scored just 11 goals and 22 points despite averaging more ice time than he ever did with both the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins.