For Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning, signing Loui Eriksson to a six-year, $36 million deal came with plenty of risk — but also the possibility of reward.
The Canucks had to find a winger for Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Signing Eriksson — a two-way stud with six 20-goal seasons on his resume — seemed like the solution. Obviously, there were some concerns about his injury history and Eriksson’s age (he turned 31 shortly after signing the deal).
Well, it’s safe to say the Canucks thought Eriksson would produce far more than the mere 31 goals and 69 points through his first 184 games with Vancouver.