Joe Haggerty: Bruins Will Trade Eriksson And Get Players To Be 'Competitive Now'
BOSTON (CBS) -- The NHL Trade Deadline comes at 3:00 p.m. Monday afternoon, and the Boston Bruins appear in position to be as active as any team in the league. They not only have a potential major trade asset in Loui Eriksson, but plenty of prospects and draft picks already in the system that they can move for players that can potentially help the Bruins down the stretch and into the playoffs.
The "interest is high" in Eriksson's services, says CSNNE Bruins insider Joe Haggerty, who believes it will be a busy day for the Bruins as they look to get value for Eriksson (if they don't re-sign him) and add players that fill needs, such as a defenseman and a potential replacement for Eriksson.
The expected trade partners with the Bruins lie mainly in the Western Conference, since the Bruins are in a tough spot of being potential sellers with a playoff spot also well in reach. They won't make a trade with a direct competitor.
"I don't see the Bruins trading him to an Eastern Conference team they might potentially see in the playoffs," said Haggerty. "I just think that's bad business and not something the Bruins are interested in doing."
There are, however, a handful of Western Conference teams that have the kind of assets the Bruins could acquire and have pressing needs for scoring wingers. St. Louis and Minnesota are the most rumored teams.
Haggerty told the show he predicts they will be very happy by the time the 3:00 p.m. deadline arrives, because the Bruins may be able to both move Eriksson for value and also add the kind of players they need to get better, even if it takes multiple deals to accomplish.
"I think [GM] Don Sweeney's going to be very active ... He is not only going to trade Loui Eriksson, but it's for future assets; he's going to get a defenseman and a forward to make this team competitive now."
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