The Boston Bruins have several decisions to make on players who will be eligible for unrestricted and restricted free agency before July 1, and general manager Don Sweeney provided updates on a few of them Wednesday.
The most important decision involves veteran winger Loui Eriksson, who will be a UFA in July if unsigned. Eriksson ranked tied for second on the B’s in scoring last season with 63 points (30 goals, 33 assists) in 82 games.
“We’ve been in discussions with Loui,” Sweeney said Wednesday during a media conference call. “I have a pretty good idea where they would like to be at, and we’ll see whether or not we can find common ground there, but we have been having ongoing discussions on that front. As I’ve always said, I really respect Loui as a player. He had a fabulous year and (we) would love to be able to retain him.”
Another important decision facing the Bruins concerns defenseman Torey Krug, who will be an RFA after completing a one-year, $3.4 million contract last season. Krug led all Boston defensemen in scoring with 44 points (four goals, 40 assists) in 81 games.
“We’ve had talks with Torey,” Sweeney said. “Whatever term that ends up being, we’ll find a contract for him.”
Many other players need new deals, and Sweeney noted he hasn’t yet made final decisions.
“I haven’t had final discussions with players individually,” he said. “I hope to be doing that this week. I have had some discussions with agents and giving some indication, but nothing finalized yet.”
Here’s a list of all the Bruins’ unsigned players as of Wednesday.
Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images
