On the Boston Bruins …
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Don Sweeney may be looking for help at right wing, especially if they decide to trade Loui Eriksson and not re-sign him. The Bruins being able to add a young, top-four defenseman is more likely to happen during the offseason as opposed to the trade deadline.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Pending UFA Loui Eriksson said that he and his family have enjoyed their time in Boston.
“My family and me, we like it here in Boston. We have a big family and another baby on the way. So there’s lot of things going on right now,” said Eriksson, who is expecting his fourth child with wife Mikeala. “We like it here. Boston is a really good city and a fun team to play for. That’s how I’ve been focusing. All I can do is go out there and do my best, and play good. It’s all I’m trying to do before the deadline…so just keep on playing.”
“I’ve never been in a situation like this before, so it’s a little different. But all I can do is focus on my game, playing my game and focusing on what I can do for the team.”
When asked if he’d take less money to remain in Boston, Eriksson said his agent, J.P. Barry, is doing the negotiation on his behalf. The 30-year old could be looking for a deal that is five or six years and around $6 million per season. That is a lot of money for someone who is on the other side of 30.
Trading Eriksson before the deadline could send a mixed message to the team, but it would all depend on what the return is. They could also agree to a contract in the next couple weeks.
On the Bruins – Stars and Islanders – Jets …
- SI: (roundtable and having fun with trade proposals) Al Muir: The Stars looking at a package of Loui Eriksson and Zdeno Chara. Would be an $11 million combined cap hit for the Stars, but they have the room. Return for the Bruins could be two of Esa Lindell, Stephen Johns or Julius Honka, along with a high draft pick and another prospect like Roope Hintz.
- Michael Blinn: A Travis Hamonic for Dustin Byfuglien deal. Hamonic’s $3.875 million cap would make it easier to re-sign Andrew Ladd.