Sports

Canucks Sign Highly-coveted Scorer Loui Eriksson To 6-Year Contract

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Jul, 2016 02:21 PM

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks signed highly-coveted free agent forward Loui Eriksson to a six-year, US$36 million contract on Friday.

The 30-year-old right winger spent the last three seasons with the Boston Bruins and scored 30 times while adding 33 assists in 82 games last year.

"I always thought Vancouver was a great city to play in, plus I know a few guys on the team" - Eriksson #Canucks pic.twitter.com/jBPuT5Q0eL
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) July 1, 2016

Eriksson scored a career-high 36 goals in 2008-09 with the Dallas Stars, an organization which he spent the first seven years of his career with.

The six foot two, 183 pounder has represented Sweden on multiple occasions internationally, including the 2014 and 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

He is expected to play on a line with twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin.

“Loui is an excellent two-way forward, an elite scorer and playmaker with great defensive instincts.” #Canucks https://t.co/0bGh7LHwxZ
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) July 1, 2016

"Loui is an excellent two-way forward, an elite scorer and playmaker with great defensive instincts," Canuck general manager Jim Benning said in a release.

"He is an accomplished player who helps our team now and in the future as a leader and role model for our young players to follow. We're excited to have Loui join our team and help us compete every night."

On Twitter, Canucks fans — and others — reacted instantly.

Eriksson said he's excited to playing with the Sedins again.

We're allllll excited for that 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ive8qWkIBe
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) July 1, 2016

The Canucks had the third-worst record in the NHL last season, finishing 31-38-13 for 75. The team also scored just 191 goals.

Welcome Loui Eriksson to @VanCanucks! A #CanadaDay gift for a goal starved city. 🇨🇦🇸🇪
— Chad Pederson (@chadpederson) July 1, 2016

Very excited about the Loui Eriksson signing, another Swede & has known chemistry with the Sedins. Great job @VanCanucks #Canucks
— Tannis Nygren (@TannisNygren) July 1, 2016

Welcome to @VanCanucks, Loui Eriksson! Can't wait to see what you can do for this team!
— Lewis Cho (@lewischo93) July 1, 2016

"Wait, Loui Eriksson is 31 and not 21?" pic.twitter.com/D9bKHul9Bl
— kris (@Shinkarukx48) July 1, 2016

i think loui eriksson has always been a highly underrated player, but that’s a ton of term for a nearly 31 year old. 😕#canucks
— Michael Jang | 鄭國良 (@mikejang) July 1, 2016