On the Boston Bruins …
Fluto Shinzawa: The Bruins will give re-signing Loui Eriksson one last attempt.
Joe Haggerty: Sweeney feels that Eriksson is likely heading to free agency.
Renaud Lavoie: The Bruins and Eriksson are not close to a deal. Term seems to be an issue and it’s looking like he’ll be going to free agency.
Boston Bruins: Sweeney on Eriksson: “our position was that we really value Loui & what he brings to the table & we’d like to find a fit, but it may not happen”
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins GM Don Sweeney and Eriksson’s agent, J.P. Barry will meet at the draft and give it one last try at a new deal. Term seems to be the issue.
“We’ll see if things have changed, and take one more stab at it to see if he thinks the internal landscape is as green as we think it is, as opposed to what the other side might look like,” said Sweeney. “Obviously he’s on the cusp of maybe exploring things , and he may see it otherwise. I’ve told you all along that we really value Loui, and what he brings to the table. We’d like to find a fit, but it may not happen.”
The Bruins have offered four years and Eriksson’s camp is looking something in the six-year and $6 million a year range.
Sweeney hasn’t received any calls from teams interested in Eriksson rights.
DJ Bean: Sweeney is still considering buyouts.
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins GM Don Sweeney confirmed yesterday that they won’t be re-signing defenseman Zach Trotman and goalie Jonas Gustavsson. They will hope that Malcolm Subban can be their backup.
Sweeney said he spoken with Lee Stempniak and John-Michael Liles about a new deal.
“I am in discussions with Lee and his group. Zach Trotman is a Group VI , and will not be returning. He’ll go to market. Whether or not we explore again after the fact, that’s a possibility. We’ve been in talks with group as well, and we’re just fitting all the pieces together of other things we’re exploring…and where we want to go.
“I’ve spoken to camp, and we’ve got a very strong internal candidate in Malcolm . We’re going to look at all of the possibilities for goaltending.”
Would think that Liles would only be brought back if they are not successful in trading for a top-four defenseman this weekend.
Eric Russo of the Bruins.NHL: Everyone knows the Bruins would like to add a defenemen.
“We have two first-round picks, so I’m exploring all opportunities with them,” said Sweeney. “I feel very good about making two selections if that’s the direction we go, if the acquisition cost is too high.”