'The deal had to be right': Bruins hold on to Eriksson at deadline

Boston Bruins forward Loui Eriksson, arguably the deadline's biggest trade chip, wasn't traded Monday.

"The deal had to be right," general manager Don Sweeney said Monday evening. "It had to be right for this organization.

"Loui Eriksson's an important part of what we're doing as an organization now. Our preference was all along to maintain the type of team that's competitive in a playoff run."

Eriksson entered the day as the most desirable forward. The 30-year-old is having a stellar season, sitting tied for second on the team in both goals (23) and points (48).

Keeping Eriksson isn't a surprising decision by the club, as Sweeney told reporters Sunday he has no issue with keeping the right winger past the deadline.

Heading into Monday, the asking price for Eriksson was believed to be a top player and a prospect.

He'll now play a vital role in the club's playoff push. The Bruins sit third in the Atlantic Division with 74 points, one win behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.