The Bruins gave up future assets for two average players in Liles and Stempniak. (Image courtesy of CBS local)

Let me start off by saying that I can understand why Don Sweeney didn’t trade Loui Eriksson. I don’t agree with the decision but the Bruins are a playoff contender. It would have been hard to take a lesser package for Eriksson knowing that the team is in contention and they could still use a player like him. 

It’s the acquisitions of defenseman John Michael Liles and winger Lee Stempniak that are head scratchers to me. I thought the Bruins paid a steep price for two mediocre players. Draft picks are precious commodities in the NHL today. I know the Bruins have built a decent stockpile but to give away four picks and a prospect for two average players who won’t be here next year is senseless to me.

The Bruins might be playoff contenders but they are not cup contenders. Not even close. Liles and Stempniak don’t make them cup contenders. If the Bruins were serious about making a run, they would have gotten in on Andrew Ladd or even Eric Staal. Instead, they overpaid for two guys that are complementary pieces. I can understand not trading Eriksson. What I don’t understand is how Liles and Stempniak make the team better. They don’t.