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As for Eriksson, he turns 31 on July 14 and a six-year, $36 million US commitment from the Canucks proves that maximizing two years left on the Sedins’ deals — and looking for another gritty forward who can score — is about getting back to the playoffs next season. And if the Canucks can stay healthy after having nine players injured at one point last season and forced to play seven rookies, then it’s not a stretch to suggest they’ll be playing meaningful games in March.

After all, Daniel had 28 goals last season and Henrik battled through hip, back, shoulder and hand ailments. But the Canucks captain never used them as crutches to explain a 55-point season, an 18-point tumble from 2014-15.

“They’re such smart players,” said Eriksson, who’s expected to align with the Sedins at the World Cup in September. “It was so easy for me when I first started playing with them to find chemistry. We kind of play the same way. We like to get the puck and give it back to each other.

“Maybe the first couple of games will be a learning process to see what they’re thinking and how they play. But we seem to match up real well, especially in the world championship where we came together real well.

“Hopefully we can play like we did at that time and have good success.”

There’s a lot to like in Eriksson.

He’s not a speedster, but the skill level is obvious. The 6-foot-3, 183 pound Goteborg native was the 33rd overall pick by the Stars in 2003 and should stand the test of time. A bang-and-crash winger like Milan Lucic, who landed a seven-year deal Friday from the Edmonton Oilers, has some hard miles on his hockey odometer. He’s projected to play on the top line with Connor McDavid and Jesse Puljujarvi and it’s a window on a division when size and scoring are going to be imperative.

The Bruins made several attempts to resign Eriksson — an original four-year extension was moved to five years in a final attempt to keep him in place — and it speaks to his ability to attract several free-agency suitors. The Canucks knew what Job. 1 was here and Eriksson isn’t a consolation prize for their free-agent interest in Lucic.

Eriksson isn’t a saviour. He won’t strike physical fear into any rival, but he can score. And that could be the spark to ignite a turn around for 27th-ranked power play and 29th-rated offence.

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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