It’s looking more and more like Loui Eriksson will be a free agent July 1.
The Boston Bruins aren’t throwing in the towel in their attempt to re-sign the veteran winger, but B’s general manager Don Sweeney acknowledged Thursday that the sides might not strike a deal.
“We’ll 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 outside may look like,” Sweeney told reporters in Buffalo during his pre-draft availability. “Obviously he’s on the cusp of maybe exploring things and may see otherwise. I told you all along that my position was we really value Loui and what he brings to the table and we’d like to find a fit, but it may not happen.”
Eriksson, who turns 31 next month, is coming off a strong season with the Bruins in which he tallied 63 points (30 goals, 33 assists) while playing in all 82 games. He figures to draw plenty of interest if he tests the open market, and it’s been speculated that Eriksson could be looking for a five- or six-year contract at roughly $6 million per season.
Sweeney also said Thursday he’s had no discussions about trading Eriksson’s rights to another team, which makes sense considering him and other prospective free agents can begin meeting with interested clubs starting Saturday.
Eriksson, who was acquired from the Dallas Stars in the July 4, 2013, blockbuster involving Tyler Seguin, has totaled 62 goals and 85 assists (147 points) in 224 games over three seasons with Boston.
Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images
