The Boston Bruins don’t want to trade forward Loui Eriksson, but they may have no choice.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney reiterated his plan prior to Sunday’s game against the Lightning.
Sweeney made it clear that his goal is to extend Eriksson’s contract. If they’re unable to do so before Monday’s trade deadline, they’ll have to make a tough decision regarding his future.
The Bruins are in a particularly difficult position because they aren’t sellers. They’re tied with the Lightning for second in the Atlantic Division (the Bolts have a game in hand).
Trading Eriksson to another team would certainly weaken the 2015-16 edition of the B’s, which isn’t ideal for a team hoping to make a long playoff run.
Of course, the Bruins could just keep Eriksson and lose him in free agency if a deal can’t be reached.
Don Sweeney said Bruins would be perfectly fine simply holding onto Eriksson for playoff run even if they don't him sign by deadline
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) February 28, 2016
Sweeney on Eriksson: "There have been ongoing discussions. … We’d like to find a deal, but it hasn’t happened to this point."
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 28, 2016
Sweeney said he has had discussions w/ other teams about Eriksson but "my preference has been all along to try and sign him, go from there."
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 28, 2016
Sweeney said talks with Eriksson remain ongoing but "bottom line, you’ve got to do what’s best for the organization & move forward."
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 28, 2016
The 30-year-old has 23 goals and 48 points in 62 games this season.
Eriksson will be in the lineup when the Bruins take on the Bolts at 6:30 pm ET on Sunday.
You can stream the game online by clicking the link below.