This past season the New Jersey Devils finished bottom-5 in league scoring for the fourth time in as many years.
Adding more offensive punch to the lineup is undoubtedly GM Ray Shero's biggest off-season priority, and he apparently has some ideas on how to go about doing so.
Pending unrestricted free agent Loui Eriksson is among them, according to long-time Boston Bruins writer Jimmy Murphy.
Per an NHL source, add the #Devils to a growing list of teams that are targeting F Loui Eriksson should he reach free agency. #Bruins #NHL
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) June 5, 2016
While Eriksson isn't an ideal age given where the Devils are at - he'll be 31 before a game is played - he doesn't play a speedy or rough and tumble style so he should age a little more graciously than most players, and there's no question he'd be a big help offensively.
Over the last two seasons Eriksson has recorded 52 goals, 110 points and 353 shots on goal. Eriksson would rank 1st on the Devils in all three categories during that span.
On top of being a versatile point producer (he can play both wings) Eriksson has also posted very good underlying numbers.
In each of the last five seasons Eriksson's teams have controlled a larger percentage of the shot attempts, shots and scoring chances with Eriksson on the ice. Not a lot of players have enjoyed that kind of success.
There's no guarantee Eriksson hits the open market (or signs with New Jersey if he does) but there are certainly worse options out there.
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