We'll learn a lot about new Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney's immediate and long-term plans for the franchise over the next few days. Loui Eriksson, defensive upgrades - Sweeney's got a lot of decisions to make and a very short amount of time in which to make them. As a team in transition playing surprisingly well and keeping themselves in the NHL playoff hunt, the expected trade deadline selloff in Boston isn't assured - or at all expected - at this point. Sure, Eriksson would fetch a pretty good return - especially considering what Andrew Ladd landed the Jets - but would the B's be better off for this season by keeping Eriksson and making a run at the postseason and maybe at signing him long-term? It's hard to say and it's up to Sweeney to decide, but as Monday's deadline draws closer, we're getting hints of what the newly minted Bruins personnel man has in mind.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Bruins are showing interest in Edmonton Oilers defenseman Justin Schultz. Schultz is still a young player at just 25, but he's already become one of the most divisive and frustrating players the Oilers have provided a hockey home for over the past decade. Schultz was a highly touted signing and remains a talented player, but his too-quick ascension to the starting lineup and big minutes in Edmonton seemed to both stunt his growth and his confidence.
At this point, he's a mediocre player who some teams are said to feel still has an untapped upside. The Oilers and former B's GM Peter Chiarelli have made trading Schultz a "priority," but it remains to be seen if Chiarelli's willing to do a deal with his former franchise.
As for Eriksson, a report from Thursday night indicated that Sweeney was engaged in "ongoing" talks with the forward's reps, but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman poked a hole or two in that notion on Friday.
Per Friedman, the report that Eriksson and the Bruins had agreed on term, but not dollars, is "not true." It's long been suggested that the Bruins want to do a three or four-year extension, while Eriksson's camp wants something closer to six seasons.
And while "some movement" has been made, per Friedman, it doesn't sound like a new deal is imminent.
With the Bruins looking likely for a playoff spot this late in the season, Sweeney's going to have a difficult time balancing plans for the future with the current campaign. Dealing Eriksson or adding pieces could have far reaching effects that not only decide the direction of 2015-16, but of the franchise for many seasons to come.
