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Sweeney: Bruins Taking 'One Last Stab' At Eriksson Deal, Moving On From Gustavsson And Trotman

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney spoke with reporters about some of the team's plans regarding trades and free agency at the NHL Draft in Buffalo, revealing ongoing discussions with key pending free agents and detailing his overall intentions for the Bruins roster moving forward.

At the top of the list of questions is the big, expensive one surrounding winger Loui Eriksson, who appears on the verge of hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent after he and the Bruins remain far apart on the terms of a deal. Sweeney said, however, that the Bruins are taking "one last stab" at signing Eriksson long-term, according to a tweet by CSNNE's Joe Haggerty, but the 30-year-old is more likely to get the years and average annual value that he seeks from another team - which, according to the latest reports and rumors, remains his most likely destination.

Sweeney also suggested that the Bruins plan to let goaltender Jonas Gustavsson hit the market, opening up an opportunity for former first-round pick Malcolm Subban - who would likely compete with a different veteran free-agent signing - to seize the backup role to Tuukka Rask. Defenseman Zach Trotman will also become an unrestricted free agent, according to Sweeney.

On the possibility of trading younger prospects for an established NHL talent - specifically, a top-pairing defenseman - Sweeney would not rule out such a move, but couched his comments with a vote of confidence for the players already in the Bruins system.

"We've been in communication about a lot players," said Sweeney. "We haven't hidden the fact that we'd like to add a defenseman. And I've said all along, we have younger players that, if we don't find the right fit, these guys are going to be given an opportunity. And more than likely you'll find a surprise in that group as well. But we would like to add and strengthen our team."

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