Bruins GM Don Sweeney: Bruins 'Protected' 2016 First-Round Picks From Potential Trades
BOSTON (CBS) -- The NHL trade deadline passed and Loui Eriksson was still in a Boston Bruins uniform. GM Don Sweeney did bring in two depth pieces in defenseman John-Michael Liles and winger Lee Stempniak, but the big Eriksson trade that was so highly anticipated never took place.
Sweeney joined Toucher & Rich Tuesday morning to talk about the trade deadline and the Bruins' moves (or lack thereof) that left some scratching their heads, but others who wanted the Bruins to hold on to Eriksson breathing a sigh of relief.
Sweeney said the team still would like to sign Eriksson long-term, but are not close to an agreement.
"We would like to be able to re-sign him," said Sweeney. "We just haven't found a deal, we haven't found common ground as of yet."
Sweeney implied that trading Eriksson would have required a strong package of players and draft picks that would have essentially forced them to accept, since the Bruins are still trying to extend Eriksson's contract.
"The bottom line is, we did not find a deal that surpassed what we think Loui brings to our table," he said, "while we continue to explore to re-sign him to help us now and going forward."
SEE ALSO: Here Is The Bruins' "Trade Tree" From Phil Kessel To Today
While declining to discuss what pieces were on the table in potential trades, Sweeney told T&R what was not. The Bruins' two first round picks and second round picks in 2016 were not available, according to him. Though a good deal may not have been out there anyway, some may view that as an overly conservative strategy for a team stockpiled with draft picks in need of upper-tier talent.
"We protected our two first rounders and our second this year. The prospects that were being discussed ... were all being talked about in high regard, so that makes me feel good about what we have going forward internally."
Sweeney also assumed Fred Toucher was just another radio blow-hard who always has an opinion on Boston sports teams despite never being at the TD Garden, even though he goes to games more often than most radio hosts in town. Fred didn't exactly appreciate being called out. Listen to the full podcast below:
