Ty Anderson: Eriksson's Boston future full of doubt

Pick one of Marchand and Eriksson............that's the way I look at it right now. Younger skill player with upside OR very well rounded player about to turn 31 going for his final "payday."

The idea of Krejci, Bergy, and Eriksson all expiring contracts at the same time all at the age of 35-36 scares the crap out of me.

The fringe "maybe we can compete" midset is how mediocre teams stay mediocre teams for years. Nucks and Devils come to mind. Rags and Habs are other teams that seem to be overconfident due to there superhuman goalies.

If the Bs made a run I think they would be stomped by whoever comes from the West.

Again, thank god Buff is off the table.

Agreed- pick Marchy or Eriksson. As much as I like Loui and how he's played this year, they need to allocate those dollars to investing in a top 2 defenceman a guy they can shape their blueline around for the next 6-8 years. Krug isn't it. The kids coming along that have played this year (and have played reasonably well) are good fillers for slots 5,6 and 7. We need to invest in a top defenceman...Loui can be replaced by others in the organization and others like Connolly, Hayes, Belesey, Pastrnak need to pick up the slack up front... but they need the opportunity to play in the top 6 on a consistent basis.

Agreed- pick Marchy or Eriksson. As much as I like Loui and how he's played this year, they need to allocate those dollars to investing in a top 2 defenceman a guy they can shape their blueline around for the next 6-8 years. Krug isn't it. The kids coming along that have played this year (and have played reasonably well) are good fillers for slots 5,6 and 7. We need to invest in a top defenceman...Loui can be replaced by others in the organization and others like Connolly, Hayes, Belesey, Pastrnak need to pick up the slack up front... but they need the opportunity to play in the top 6 on a consistent basis.
- shanerationX

The other point is all the draft picks we have. Everyone thinks so highly of them, both management and fans, where are they going to play in two years if we resign all these guys?

Eriksson-Krejci-Pasta
Marchand-Bergy-Vatrano(?)
Beleskey-Spoons-Plug

In two years we need some spots for the prospects and with Eriksson getting $6+ they will keep him in the top two lines even if he isn't performing. Just see the medium term idea of him as a "core" player as silly.

If he was 2-3 years younger I would give him $6 for 6 years no questions. But at 31 when the contract would begin...........

Loui has masked a real lack of depth at wing by being able to play on either side on any line. The only reason this team survives the deficiencies of Connolly/Hayes/etc. is because Krejci, Bergeron, Marchand, and Loui are doing the heavy lifting.

I say keep Loui, even if it's expensive. If cap space is a concern (i.e. extending Marchand next year), I can think of other ways to free up space (Seids 4mil cap hit). Chris Kelly comes off the books, Lucic's retained salary comes off the books... Hell, just replace Hayes with Vatrano and there's Loui's money right there.

Loui has masked a real lack of depth at wing by being able to play on either side on any line. The only reason this team survives the deficiencies of Connolly/Hayes/etc. is because Krejci, Bergeron, Marchand, and Loui are doing the heavy lifting.

I say keep Loui, even if it's expensive. If cap space is a concern (i.e. extending Marchand next year), I can think of other ways to free up space (Seids 4mil cap hit). Chris Kelly comes off the books, Lucic's retained salary comes off the books... Hell, just replace Hayes with Vatrano and there's Loui's money right there.
- Willspencer10

I agree with your first point. We have become WAAAAAAY too top heavy on this team. Like the Pens or Caps of the past.......

I respectfully disagree with you second point. But, that may be the path they go.

We need to make a run at atleast a COUPLE top pairing or top three D-men in Free agency. And with Petry and his second pairing types getting $6-5.5 per year.....we may need $18 million just to find and sign those 2-3 free agents.

Petry types are second pairing guys for $5.5-6
Boychuck and Big Buffs are first pairing guys and they are around $7-7.5plus.....

Hell Hamilton a RFA is at almost $6 per. That Dumba guy that is going to be a RFA, and maybe will be traded, is going to be around that amount when it's all said and done.....now that Win signed Buff.

Maybe we try to get Dumba or Myers from Peg......?

The team has to stop "spending it's money ahead of time" and actually have some succession planning. Sure Eriksson has played well, but they have depth up front to compensate for his loss. Are they as 'polished' as Loui or play all 3 zones as well- no...but the bigger void is on the blueline and that has the the priority. Like previously mentioned, the blueline needs a #1 and a #2 before we can be anything more than a "fringe playoff team on the bubble". That's where the $6 mill per year needs to be spent that would needed to lock up Loui...plus the coming off the books ie Kelly and possibly being able to dump Seids into someone's lap.
I'd take a run at Myers or Dumba if they were available

Agreed- pick Marchy or Eriksson. As much as I like Loui and how he's played this year, they need to allocate those dollars to investing in a top 2 defenceman a guy they can shape their blueline around for the next 6-8 years. Krug isn't it. The kids coming along that have played this year (and have played reasonably well) are good fillers for slots 5,6 and 7. We need to invest in a top defenceman...Loui can be replaced by others in the organization and others like Connolly, Hayes, Belesey, Pastrnak need to pick up the slack up front... but they need the opportunity to play in the top 6 on a consistent basis.
- shanerationX

That's the problem; Hayes and Connolly aren't going to pick up that slack. I honestly don't have a problem with Hayes' play and Connolly, well, pretty disappointing year for the kid. Pasta is going to be an amazing talent in the next couple of years but isn't going to be enough to replace what Loui brings.
I'll be disappointed if they trade him but can't see Sweeney signing him. No one is gonna give up a top 2 D-man for him (Sweeney's a magician if he pulled that off). With Loui gone, this team may just squeak into the playoffs but I highly doubt it.

Guys- Eriksson wasn't exactly "lighting it up" the past 3 years playing 3rd line minutes He's putting up the points this year because he's getting PP time and regular time in the top 6. Loui's potential replacements (Pastrnak, Hayes, Connolly, Vatrano) would benefit from the ice time and improve production. They just need the same opportunity.

Guys- Eriksson wasn't exactly "lighting it up" the past 3 years playing 3rd line minutes He's putting up the points this year because he's getting PP time and regular time in the top 6. Loui's potential replacements (Pastrnak, Hayes, Connolly, Vatrano) would benefit from the ice time and improve production. They just need the same opportunity.
- shanerationX

I see what you're saying about ice time, but not one of those guys you mentioned will kill penalties like Eriksson. Sorry man, I see him as the 2nd most valuable player on the Bs behind Bergeron.

Guys- Eriksson wasn't exactly "lighting it up" the past 3 years playing 3rd line minutes He's putting up the points this year because he's getting PP time and regular time in the top 6. Loui's potential replacements (Pastrnak, Hayes, Connolly, Vatrano) would benefit from the ice time and improve production. They just need the same opportunity.
- shanerationX

Pastrnak is the only name in that group that I think projects as a top-line player. Vatrano maybe, but hard to say. As for Connolly, Hayes, and Beleskey...I like each of those players, but they aren't top-line guys and their production could probably be replaced from within. I think Vatrano is perfect for the 3rd line, if it were up to me.

I agree with your first point. We have become WAAAAAAY too top heavy on this team. Like the Pens or Caps of the past.......

I respectfully disagree with you second point. But, that may be the path they go.

We need to make a run at atleast a COUPLE top pairing or top three D-men in Free agency. And with Petry and his second pairing types getting $6-5.5 per year.....we may need $18 million just to find and sign those 2-3 free agents.

Petry types are second pairing guys for $5.5-6
Boychuck and Big Buffs are first pairing guys and they are around $7-7.5plus.....

Hell Hamilton a RFA is at almost $6 per. That Dumba guy that is going to be a RFA, and maybe will be traded, is going to be around that amount when it's all said and done.....now that Win signed Buff.

Maybe we try to get Dumba or Myers from Peg......?
- JIwasinskiJr

Fair enough. If Sweeney can turn Loui into a young, high-ceiling, R-shot Dman like Dumba in Minn or Trouba in Winn, I can't argue with that.

21's gotta go. He's been great this year, but holding on to him in hopes of washington falling flat and getting 'favourable' matchups in the playoffs isn't worth it. They need to shore up the blue line, so if they can get a good D-Man to help on the 2nd pairing, which shouldnt' take much considering the lack of depth right now, then they should do it. If they can't get a decent blue liner, hell take a couple of 2nd round draft picks or prospects, they gotta get something.

I don't disagree that Eriksson isn't a solid player...would you have really said he was the 2nd most important Bruin behind Bergy last season? Or the season before? What if he slides back to the 35-40 point range? Is he still worth $6 million then?
I'm just playing devil's advocate here and understand your points of view... I just have a different perspective and believe the blueline needs a huge upgrade.. or some of the 'mid tier' forwards need to go and a true sniper is added up front.

Fair enough. If Sweeney can turn Loui into a young, high-ceiling, R-shot Dman like Dumba in Minn or Trouba in Winn, I can't argue with that.
- Willspencer10

Agreed- maximize the asset

Hear me out guys

Trade Loui, Chara and one of our 1sts to Tampa for Stamkos and Hedman
4th rounder for Yandle
Connolly, Seidenberg and a 2nd for Okposo and Harmonic
Seth griffin and a pick for Hamhuis



Stamkos Krejci Pastrnak
Marchand Bergeron Okposo
Beleskey Spooner Vatrano
Hayes Talbot Ferraro
Rinaldo

Hedman Yandle
Hamhuis Krug
C.Miller Harmonic
McQuaid

Rask

#boom

I don't disagree that Eriksson isn't a solid player...would you have really said he was the 2nd most important Bruin behind Bergy last season? Or the season before? What if he slides back to the 35-40 point range? Is he still worth $6 million then?
I'm just playing devil's advocate here and understand your points of view... I just have a different perspective and believe the blueline needs a huge upgrade.. or some of the 'mid tier' forwards need to go and a true sniper is added up front.
- shanerationX

You're absolutely right; the blue line needs a huge upgrade. But I don't think Loui is going to fetch you the defenceman that will lead you to a solid playoff run this year. Look what Edmonton gave up to the Islanders for Griffin Reinhart last year; a 1st overall (who turned out to be Mathew Barzal, a potential 2nd line C) and the 33rd overall. Reinhart has not been good. He is young and could develop into a decent d-man (though doesn't look like it with his foot speed) but that's the point; trading Loui will only get them a decent (maybe?), young defenceman this year. Not a guy that's going to surge them into a deep playoff run.
It's a tough call, man. I don't wanna see Loui re-sign for 6 mill and have 40 point seasons for five years either. But this team needs to decide if they're going to re-build or go for it and not waste the next 3-4 years while Bergeron/Krejci/Rask/Marchand are in their prime. I think they stand a better chance with Loui in the lineup. Hey, as long as Montreal doesn't make the playoffs we'll all be happy, right?

You're absolutely right; the blue line needs a huge upgrade. But I don't think Loui is going to fetch you the defenceman that will lead you to a solid playoff run this year.

But its not about this year, its about continuing to build for the future and maximizing your return of assets.

Hear me out guys

Trade Loui, Chara and one of our 1sts to Tampa for Stamkos and Hedman
4th rounder for Yandle
Connolly, Seidenberg and a 2nd for Okposo and Harmonic
Seth griffin and a pick for Hamhuis



Stamkos Krejci Pastrnak
Marchand Bergeron Okposo
Beleskey Spooner Vatrano
Hayes Talbot Ferraro
Rinaldo

Hedman Yandle
Hamhuis Krug
C.Miller Harmonic
McQuaid

Rask
- Cape Breton Bruins

Love the enthusiasm but, Loui, Chara and a first might not be enough to get Stamkos as a rental IF he declares there is "no way in hell he signs with Tampa."

And Hamilton got us ONE first and TWO seconds.........Eriksson is worth maybe a first (at the deadline), Chara maybe a first (at the deadline)........
So THREE first for a player that is already thought to be the next Doughty or Duncan Keith..........much better than Hamilton.

I would do that deal in a heartbeat if I was Sweeny, but there is no way that Tampa would.

Hedman is more untouchable than Stamkos should be.

Tampa needs to clear cap space to sign there young guys too. So they would want to dump salary and not take on a guy like Chara with a higher hit than Stamkos.

Hence the issue with Tampa offering $8 per to Stevey instead of the $10+ that Kopitar and Kane and Toews got.

We will get Yandle in the offseason for around $4 per as an UFA. Will be an upgrade over Seidenberg, who they might try to trade for Cap room.
The Rags will keep him for a run OR get atleast a SECOND maybe a FIRST. The Wild have been interested in him.

Fair enough. If Sweeney can turn Loui into a young, high-ceiling, R-shot Dman like Dumba in Minn or Trouba in Winn, I can't argue with that.
- Willspencer10

We may need to grab a first and a prospect and then try to flip them in the offseason with other chips for the right player.

Ex. Eriksson is a perishable commodity for instance. We trade him for CASH (picks and prospects) and then try to use the CASH (picks and prospects) before the draft for the player we want.

If we do not he walks for nothing.

But its not about this year, its about continuing to build for the future and maximizing your return of assets.
- mikeq672

Agreed. I don't think anyone gives them much of a shot this year. But is this team re-building or going for it within the next 3 years? Because if you trade Eriksson, you may as well take 3-4 years and re-build/re-tool it, in my opinion.

Love the enthusiasm but, Loui, Chara and a first might not be enough to get Stamkos as a rental IF he declares there is "no way in hell he signs with Tampa."

And Hamilton got us ONE first and TWO seconds.........Eriksson is worth maybe a first (at the deadline), Chara maybe a first (at the deadline)........
So THREE first for a player that is already thought to be the next Doughty or Duncan Keith..........much better than Hamilton.

I would do that deal in a heartbeat if I was Sweeny, but there is no way that Tampa would.

Hedman is more untouchable than Stamkos should be.

Tampa needs to clear cap space to sign there young guys too. So they would want to dump salary and not take on a guy like Chara with a higher hit than Stamkos.

Hence the issue with Tampa offering $8 per to Stevey instead of the $10+ that Kopitar and Kane and Toews got.

We will get Yandle in the offseason for around $4 per as an UFA. Will be an upgrade over Seidenberg, who they might try to trade for Cap room.
The Rags will keep him for a run OR get atleast a SECOND maybe a FIRST. The Wild have been interested in him.
- JIwasinskiJr

Turn off your Xbox bud

I don't think trading Loui should be about making the playoffs this year...I think last summer was the first step in a 'retool' on the fly. We added some pieces and unfortunately lost a huge piece in Hamilton. I think the goal now has to be about acquiring assets (by maximizing a return on Eriksson rather than losing him for nothing), clearing cap space and then packaging a group of assets this summer to acquire a top 2 defenceman. Trading Loui now is about asset management and getting us the right pieces to actually be a true contender in the near future. I don't think the true goal once Sweeney took over was about making 'a run' this year...it was about restocking the prospect base and cleaning up Chiarelli's cap mismanagement. The ship can't be righted overnight and though some decent moves were made to bring in components... other areas (like the blueline) are sorely lacking and must be addressed before we can be a true contender again.

But its not about this year, its about continuing to build for the future and maximizing your return of assets.
- mikeq672

You hit the nail right on the head... this year was step one of a few back towards building a contender and long term stability/cap flexibility