The Boston Bruins went out and traded for Viktor Arvidsson this offseason to add some more offense to the lineup.
Arvidsson signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers last offseason to add some more offense to the lineup. However, Arvidsson struggled, and after one year, he and Edmonton both sought out a trade.
After looking for a trade partner, the Bruins and Arvidsson had mutual interest, as he says, playing for Boston made a lot of sense.
“We looked around a bit on the market, and I agreed with Edmonton that the best thing for me was to find something new that would be a better fit,” Arvidsson said to hockeysverige.se. “It ended with Boston being interested, and I think it’s going to be really fun…
“Boston has always been a hardworking team,” Arvidsson added. “They’re strong defensively. It’s always been tough to come into that arena and play because Boston’s fans are very passionate. The whole city is a great sports town. That’s how I see it, and I want to come in there myself and add a little spice.”
Arvidsson, meanwhile, says he knows some players on the team in Hampus and Elias Lindholm, who played a role in his wanting to go to Boston.
“It’ll be fun with Hampus and Elias. Fabian Lysell is there too, but I haven’t met him yet. Of course, it means a lot to have other Swedes on the team. I’ve also been fortunate throughout my career to have plenty of Swedes around me.”
Arvidsson skated in 67 games with the Oilers, recording 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points. It was a disappointing season for the Swede, who’s excited for a fresh start with Boston.
Arvidsson Looking for Bounce Back Season
After having a disappointing year with Edmonton, Arvidsson is excited for a fresh start with the Bruins.
Arvidsson knows he can play much better than he did with Edmonton, and he expects to have a bigger role with the Bruins.
“Personally, I want to bounce back to the kind of seasons I had in LA and also in Nashville,” Arvidsson said. “That’s where I want to get back to and be able to contribute offensively with my game. And then, of course, we’re aiming for the playoffs—that’s what every team does at the start of the season. First and foremost, we need to make the playoffs. We also have a new coach (Marco Sturm), so that’ll be really exciting.”
At his peak, Arvidsson can be a great top-six forward for the Bruins and add some more offense to the lineup. His career high is 34 goals and 61 points, but he should be good for 20+ goals and 50+ points.
Bruins GM Expects Arvidsson to Help out Power Play
Boston’s general manager, Don Sweeney, made the move to trade for Arvidsson as he believes the Swede is a good fit for the Bruins.
Arvidsson will add some more offense to the lineup, but after the trade went down, Sweeney said he expects Arvidsson to have a ton of success on the power play.
“He’s got some grease there,” said Sweeney. “Knows timing is also part of the net front. Most of the guys that are effective there, they get their sticks on a lot of pucks. It’s not a coincidence that they’re in the right spots when the puck is there. He’s got courage as well. He’s not the biggest guy but he’s played the same way his whole career and he’s produced. He recovers pucks well as well. That’s also a part of that net front ability.”
Arvidsson projects to be the Bruins’ second-line right winger.
Viktor Arvidsson Explains Why he Wanted to be Traded to the Bruins