On July 4th, 2013, America’s 237th birthday, the NHL had a major blockbuster trade go through. After many rumors about the Boston Bruins shopping Tyler Seguin, it finally happened. Dallas Stars new General Manager Jim Nill made a major splash acquiring C Tyler Seguin, C Rich Peverley and defenseman prospect Ryan Button. The Bruins in return acquired LW Loui Eriksson, RW Reilly Smith, and two prospects LW Matt Fraser and D Joe Morrow.
In my mind the Dallas Stars win this trade, but Loui Eriksson is no slouch and this trade is not as lopsided as some would lead you to believe. Eriksson’s only 27 years old and he had some very solid stats the last three seasons:
Year Goals Assists Points
10-11: 27-46-73 (79 games played)
11-12: 26-45-71 (82 games played)
12-13: 12-17-29 (48 games played)
In the long run the move could come back to haunt the Boston Bruins, but not if Tyler Seguin keeps regressing like he did this year in the playoffs and doesn’t get his act together. The Bruins were not happy with his attitude and the fact that he isn’t acting like a pro, there were rumors of him partying during the playoffs in Toronto.
Most importantly, the move frees up salary cap.
Bruins now have roughly $9 million in available salary cap space… That'll fall dramatically after Tuukka Rask's contract becomes official.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 4, 2013
Assuming Eriksson & Reilly (who was on Stars all season) are on Boston next year, Bruins free up $3.85M in cap space next season with trade
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 4, 2013
The Bruins have to re-sign goalie Tuukka Rask, forward Patrice Bergeron and make a move at a free agent to replace Nathan Horton/Jaromir Jagr.
