The Boston Bruins aren’t denying it: there’s a chance they might need to trade Loui Eriksson.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney addressed the rumors during a NESN interview on Thursday, admitting that the two sides have entered in discussions, and the “first priority” would be to re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent.
More from Sweeney: "All along, we value Loui as a player, we love what he brings to our hockey club & we’d like to be able to keep him."
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 21, 2016
Yes, there, is a “but” ...
Sweeney acknowledged that the Bruins may need to shop Eriksson around if they realize that they can’t find a compromise.
Sweeney: "If [a deal] doesn’t take shape... obviously have to do due diligence & explore whether or not we can continue to improve our team"
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 21, 2016
As far as what the Bruins want (beyond the vague “improving our team” note, which may or may not mean that they want a roster player rather than a prospect and/or pick)? Well, that’s left up to your fertile imaginations ...