Canucks grab Eriksson with 6-year, $36M deal

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) The Vancouver Canucks acquired one of the top free agents in the NHL on Friday, signing Loui Eriksson to a six-year, $36

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) The Vancouver Canucks acquired one of the top free agents in the NHL on Friday, signing Loui Eriksson to a six-year, $36 million contract.

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

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

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

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.