Vancouver Canucks forward Loui Eriksson wasn’t shy in expressing his frustration under head coach Travis Green.
Sweden’s national hockey team won 6-4 over the Russian national team in pre-tournament play for the IIHF World Hockey Championship. A Canuck scored two goals for Sweden.
No it was not Elias Petterson, but Loui Eriksson!
Following his amazing performance for Tre Kronor, Eriksson had some controversial words regarding his time with the Vancouver Canucks. He shared his thoughts with Swedish reporter Ronnie Rönnkvist of HockeySverige.se. Shout out to Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver Province for translating the story into English.
“It is difficult when I do not get the same trust that I received from all the other coaches I had during my career,” Eriksson said about playing under head coach Travis Green. “Of course it is tough on that front.”
Eriksson also added on to say how he has not gotten the same offensive opportunities he has gotten under past coaches.
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It is true that Eriksson has been stapled to the Vancouver Canucks bottom six by Green, although that was not the intention when management signed the Swede to a six-year deal worth $36 million dollar three offseasons ago.
“Last two seasons I have played less and in a more defensive role…In this way, it is not really possible to compare, but I must do my best and fight on,” Eriksson added, per Google Translate (h/t TSN.ca).
It is a bit of a give and take relationship with Green and Eriksson.
The opportunities have not been limited for Eriksson, who played in 81 of 82 games this season. If he were putting up points, Eriksson would have played in the top six.
Eriksson finished the season with 11 goals, and 19 assists; and his contract is considered as one of the worst in the NHL, alongside Milan Lucic; who is also rumoured to be joining the Canucks.
Despite all of the frustrations he has had in Vancouver, as well as the complete disrespect from the fans, Eriksson did say that he loves living in the city, and will just have to tough it out for the remainder of his contract.
Loui Eriksson is the biggest mistake made by the current management group by far. Some would suggest trading or buying out the NHL veteran who is set to turn 34, but his egregious contract, littered with clauses and bonuses is virtually immovable.
For the best interest of both parties, it would be good to separate. But unless there’s a trade or buyout on the horizon, Eriksson is here to stay for the time being.