With rumors spreading about a potential Milan Lucic trade, the top landing spot for the Edmonton Oilers forward would be the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Loui Eriksson.
Since Ken Holland has taken over as the general manager for the Edmonton Oilers, he has made it very clear that he will not hesitate to make aggressive moves to better the team. One way fans have argued the team could be bettered is if the Oilers trade Milan Lucic and his hefty contract. Of all the possible places he could be traded to, it seems the top place for Lucic to be traded to is the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Loui Eriksson.
Both players are veteran forwards that are undoubtedly overpaid by their respective clubs. Eriksson is 33 years old and has played 13 seasons in the NHL (seven seasons with Dallas, three seasons with Boston, and three seasons with Vancouver).
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In his 921 games played in the NHL, Eriksson has 244 goals, 336 assists and 180 penalty minutes (0.63 points per game). He has three years left on his contract at $6 million per season ($18 million total).
Meanwhile, Lucic is 31 years old and has played 12 seasons in the NHL (eight seasons with Boston, three seasons with Edmonton and one season with the Los Angeles Kings). In his 890 games played in the NHL, he has 198 goals, 303 assists and 1,072 penalty minutes (.56 points per game). Lucic has four years left on his contract at $6 million per season ($24 million total).
While Eriksson is more of an offensive contributor, Lucic provides a heavier physical and size presence. Not to mention that the latter is two years younger with almost a similar offensive production.
With almost matching contracts, swapping Lucic for Eriksson could be a realistic and beneficial trade for each team. Giving Eriksson and Lucic a change of scenery could be the best thing for them.
Eriksson would be a skilled veteran offensive talent that could pair well with the youth of Edmonton. And Lucic would be able to play in his hometown of Vancouver, where he will serve as a protector, leader, and productive forward on the Canucks’ second, third, or fourth forward line.
Although no trade has gone down yet involving Lucic or Eriksson, the possibility is realistic and could happen sooner rather than later. Both players are veterans on the back half of their career, but they still possess a rare skill and talent that teams crave.