Loui Eriksson's future in the NHL isn't certain at this point, but his positive play this season apparently has the Boston Bruins thinking about a potential long-term pact. According to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun and TSN's Darren Dreger, via Chris Nichols of Today's Slap Shot, the Bruins have begun "preliminary contract talks on an extension" with Eriksson.
The 30-year-old right wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the completion of this, his third season in Boston. Eriksson is currently second on the B's in scoring with 15 goals and 38 points, and has finally delivered on the promise he showed prior to a devastating head injury he suffered in October 2013.
Of course, the fact that Eriksson's agent J.P. Barry and Bruins GM Don Sweeney are discussing a possible extension doesn't really mean much unless and until pen is actually put to paper. Eriksson could very well wind up being dealt ahead of the NHL's trade deadline if his ask, which Dreger thinks could be somewhere in the vicinity of five or six seasons and over $6 million per season, proves prohibitive for the new-look Bruins.
Really, Eriksson's strong play this year is a boon to the Bruins not matter the outcome here. If he sticks around and continues to play well, it's a benefit to the entire Boston organization. If he's dealt, his positive play will drive up the trade price and could land Sweeney and Co. some pretty significant assets.
