Boston Bruins F Loui Eriksson: NHL Trade Deadline Profile

Jan 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) during second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Burins defeated the Flyers, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) during second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Burins defeated the Flyers, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Bruins F Loui Eriksson: NHL Trade Deadline Profile

Boston Bruins F Loui Eriksson was taken 33rd overall (2nd round) at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by Dallas as a European Skater out of the Swedish Elite League (SHL).

He spent three years in Europe before joining AHL Iowa Stars in 2005-06 where he produced 60 points in 78 games played.

Eriksson spent the next two seasons bouncing back and forth between AHL Iowa and Dallas. In 2006-07, he played 69 games for Dallas and put up 31 points, cementing his roster spot moving forward.

In his first full season in 2008-09, Loui Eriksson tallied 63 points in 82 games for the Stars.

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He added to that total in 2009-10 by scoring 71 points, followed up with a career-high in 2010-11 when Loui produced 73 points in 79 games.

In 2011-12, he appeared in all 82 games, producing 71 points, bringing his three-year total to 215 points in 243 games. In his last season with Dallas during the lockout shortened season, Loui Eriksson produced 29 points in 48 games.

Shortly after, Dallas and Boston completed the trade which saw Tyler Seguin head to Texas, and Loui Eriksson on his way to the Bruins – among several other pieces being exchanged.

Prior to the Tyler Seguin deal, Loui was the best kept secret in hockey, quietly producing at a near point-per-game pace going unnoticed in a small market. Funny thing is, when you’re the main piece coming back in a blockbuster deal, there are high expectations, especially if you’ve produced 70-plus points.

After 61 games in 2015-16, Boston Bruins F Loui Eriksson has 23 goals, 25 assists (48 points). His PPG has dipped slightly in the second half, although its worth noting he’s already matched his 2014-15 total, exceeding it by one goal.

This a tough one for the Bruins organization. It’s difficult to complain about his overall play since being acquired from Dallas, because he’s play strong positional hockey in a more defensive system. At the same time, complaints can be made for his severe dip in point production. When it comes down to whether or not you sign the 30-year-old to a new contract – simple answer is no.

GM Don Sweeney seems dedicated to moving in a younger direction. You’ve got players such as David Pastrnak, Brett Connolly, and Jimmy Hayes up the right side already, and Zachary Senyshyn on the way. Get what you can for Eriksson, and let him walk into free agency – it’s time to move on from the Tyler Seguin debacle.

Boston Bruins F Loui Eriksson carries an annual cap hit of $4.25 million dollar, which is set to expire, making him a free agent this summer. Boston can increase their trade value by retaining part of his contract.

Next: NHL Trade Deadline Rentals: Depth Options

Best Fits:

Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, St.Louis Blues

Hypothetical Trade:

Boston Bruins F Loui Eriksson to Detroit in exchange for F Joakim Andersson and a 2016 1st Round Pick