Although they are called an “offensive” team, the reality couldn’t be further from that. The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the worst teams scoring wise in the NHL the last few seasons. One of the key reasons why is the lack of puck movement from the defenders, but the Oilers simply don’t have enough competent forwards on their roster.
If Edmonton wants to address this issue by adding some serious secondary scoring this off-season, then there are plenty of option available. Arguably the best option is a player who Peter Chiarelli acquired for the Boston Bruins in the Tyler Seguin trade, Loui Eriksson. Although he is one of the most criticized players in Boston, Loui is a VERY good hockey player.
Odds are, he’ll be wearing a new jersey come October.
Why Is He Out There?:
The Bruins are in an interesting spot. The team is no longer a legit threat to win the Cup, but they simply are not bad enough to fully rebuild the system. Don Sweeney did some good work last year, making three picks in the first round, and he’s slated to make another two in the opening round this June. The Bruins system is getting restocked, but it’s not ready to help now.
Boston has an expensive core that involves Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Brad Marchand, Tuukka Rask and Zdeno Chara. In addition to that, the team desperately needs to add two top-four defenders this summer and needs to fill other holes like adding a top-six winger, a backup goalie and another center. Cap wise, the Bruins are going to be up against it next season.
With all those additions needed and minimal cap space available, the Bruins may well just let the much maligned forward walk in July.
What Does He Do Well?:
Most Bruins fans will tell you that Eriksson is useless player who can’t produce, but that isn’t exactly the truth. In 82 games this season, he posted 30-33-63. That, folks, is top line production. In addition to that, Eriksson was arguably Boston’s best forward down the stretch.
The biggest issue with this player is that he is constantly compared to the man he was brought in for, Tyler Seguin. That’s an unfair comparison, because Seguin is one of the game’s best players. The Bruins put Eriksson in a bad spot, and while he has played well, he was the selected as the goat by Boston fans. There is no escaping that label. Regardless, this is a very strong offensive player.
From The Hockey News:
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In addition to what I wrote above, Eriksson is lauded for his defensive play by THN. While watching him in Boston, it’s quite clear why this was written. Loui Eriksson is an extremely smart player and knows where he needs to be. While he gets caught every now and then, he’s usually a strong two-way player. Edmonton lacks that in a big way.
There is an issue with inconsistency here and he doesn’t play an overly physical game, but overall he is an extremely effective hockey player. This is a big offensive talent with two-way ability. Edmonton should be all over that.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play?:
If Edmonton signs Eriksson this summer, he would immediately jump into the team’s top-six forward group. He would likely slide in behind Jordan Eberle on the second line, as I expect Eberle to start the season with Connor McDavid. Eriksson could play on a line with Taylor Hall and either Leon Draisaitl or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
In an ideal world, Loui Eriksson is a top-six winger, so he’d be playing a perfect role in Edmonton. There would be no playing in over his head here.
What Will He Cost?:
When looking at the free agent market this summer, it becomes apparent that Eriksson is one of the top three forwards out there. That means we can expect him to get around $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 on the open market. Is it an overpayment? Absolutely, but 63 point players don’t often become available.
In terms of length of contract, Eriksson is 30 years old. I’d bet he asks for a six or seven year deal, but I’d only be willing to go around five years.
Closing Argument:
If Peter Chiarelli decides to add some offense this off-season, then he should take a close look at Loui Eriksson. He’s a strong veteran player who can produce offense and who plays a good two-way game. The Edmonton Oilers do not have a single veteran forward like Eriksson on their roster, that’s a simple fact.
While he will cost a pretty penny, if the Oilers can get their hands on this forward they will be better off. Eriksson can help Edmonton, and they should be talking to him once the legal tampering period opens up in June.
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