The Boston Bruins and Loui Eriksson aren’t close to a new deal, so the forward is expected to hit the free agent market, according to TVA’s Renaud Lavoie.
Lavoie reports that the Bruins and Eriksson can’t see eye-to-eye on the length of the contract.
A few days ago, Eriksson’s agent admitted that he was still waiting on a new offer from the Bruins. It looks like the two sides are far apart, whether an updated proposal came or not.
The 30-year-old forward would likely draw considerable interest as an unrestricted free agent, with teams like the Vancouver Canucks reportedly interested.
Concussion issues were a key component in Eriksson’s early struggles with Boston, limiting him to 61 games played in 2013-14. He really came into his own with the Bruins in 2015-16, generating 30 goals and 63 points.
That production and Boston’s hopeful drive toward a playoff spot forced Bruins management to be picky about a potential trade, and nothing worked out.
Whether fans feel like it was a mistake in keeping him through the trade deadline or not, it sounds like Eriksson’s time with the Bruins will soon come to an end.
The B’s, for their part, seem more concerned about bolstering their defense.
GM Don Sweeney will speak with the media shortly, so PHT will note if anything changes (or if he confirms that Eriksson will become a UFA).
GM Don Sweeney will be holding his pre-draft availability with media in Buffalo this evening. Stay tuned for updates.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 23, 2016
Update: The Bruins will give it another try, for what it’s worth:
Bruins will be taking "one last stab" at getting a deal done w/Loui Eriksson, per Sweeney, but it feels like he's going to market
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) June 23, 2016
In other free agent news:
I'm regards to other impending UFAs, Sweeney said that he's been in talks with Lee's group, Liles as well. Trotman will be going to market.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 23, 2016