The Vancouver Canucks signed Loui Eriksson to a six-year, $36 million contract in 2016. Since then, the Swedish forward has been a disappointment on the ice, tallying just 32 goals and 47 assists through four seasons.
The hefty contract has become a topic of controversy among Canucks fans, as Eriksson`s lack of production has hindered the team`s ability to invest in other players.
But it`s not just Eriksson`s lack of production that`s causing issues. His contract includes a no-movement clause, which means he cannot be traded or sent down to the AHL without his consent. This restriction limits the Canucks` ability to make roster changes and can make it difficult to manage their salary cap.
The Canucks have tried to find a way out of Eriksson`s contract. They`ve tried to trade him, but his lack of production and no-movement clause make him a tough sell. The team has also tried to buy him out, but the terms of his contract make that option unfeasible.
So what can the Canucks do? One option is to keep Eriksson on the roster and hope that he can turn his game around. However, at 35 years old, it`s unlikely that he`ll suddenly become a top scorer. Another option is to try and convince him to waive his no-movement clause so that he can be traded or sent to the AHL. This would free up cap space and give the team more flexibility in terms of roster changes.
Regardless of what the Canucks decide to do, the Loui Eriksson contract will continue to be a topic of debate. It serves as a reminder of the risks of signing players to long-term, high-value contracts. In the world of professional sports, success on the ice (or field) is never guaranteed, and teams must carefully weigh the potential risks and rewards when inking a deal.