Boston's top winger and pending unrestricted free agent Loui Eriksson is reportedly being shopped by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney for cap reasons. While there is some thought that the two sides could work out a deal to extend Eriksson's time with the club, he'd be one of the top "rental" players available ahead of the Feb. 29 deadline.

Regardless of what deal is made, it's obvious that Sweeney should be looking for a defenseman with immediate top-four potential. The Bruins have other needs, but there's no point moving a player as valuable as Eriksson unless it's part of a deal to address the team's more serious issue.

If so, the move that maximizes trade value for both teams would be if Eriksson is sent to the Minnesota Wild in a deal that includes sending 21-year-old defenseman Matt Dumba to Boston. Here's why.