On the Boston Bruins …
Nicholas Goss of NESN: Bruins GM Don Sweeney on pending UFA winger Lou Eriksson.
“We’ve been in discussions with Loui,” Sweeney said Wednesday during a media conference call. “I have a pretty good idea where they would like to be at, and we’ll see whether or not we can find common ground there, but we have been having ongoing discussions on that front. As I’ve always said, I really respect Loui as a player. He had a fabulous year and (we) would love to be able to retain him.”
The Bruins have had talks with RFA defenseman Torey Krug and some other agents for their pending free agents.
“I haven’t had final discussions with players individually,” he said. “I hope to be doing that this week. I have had some discussions with agents and giving some indication, but nothing finalized yet.”
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: One thing to keep in mind after the Bruins signed Kevan Miller to a four-year contract extension is that the signing could have a positive impact for the Bruins signing pending free agent Jimmy Vesey according to several sources. Peter Fish is the agent for both Miller and Vesey and that type of connection can factor in with free agents and trades.
Nicholas Goss of NESN: GM Sweeney is exploring the trade market in attempt to improve his team for next season.
“We’re exploring a bunch of different things trade-wise. It’s difficult in this league,” Sweeney said during a media conference call Wednesday. “But I think we’re in a position with two first-round picks to either be selecting really good players or be in the marketplace.”
The Bruins need to improve their blueline and could use a “another transitional D-man” according to Sweeney.
“It’s a matter of finding a trading partner or finding a match in the marketplace,” Sweeney said. “But we’re going to be aggressive.”
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: GM Sweeney said they will be “aggressive” this offseason as they attempt to improve their roster. They could be looking at trading for Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, and/or free agents Keith Yandle and Alex Goligoski.