Viktor Arvidsson was two games away from winning a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers last month.
The 32-year-old winger still opted to waive his no-trade clause to join the rebuilding Bruins last week. On the surface, it might not add up, but Arvidsson has a relationship with Marco Sturm dating back to their time with the Kings. The new Bruins coach was an assistant for Arvidsson in Los Angeles.
In an interview with Boston.com, Sturm said his presence played a role in Arvidsson waiving the no-trade protection.
“I didn’t bring the names (of new acquisitions with Kings ties) up. They did. Let’s start that way, right?” Sturm told Conor Ryan. “It just turned out I had them and we were in the same organization, funny enough. And that helped, especially with Arvy. He had a no-move clause, and he did it, not just because he wanted to come to Boston and have a great opportunity, but also the relationship I had with him in the past.”
Arvidsson also touched on that relationship in an introductory conference call after being traded to Boston for a fifth-round pick.
“I’m gonna come there, I’m gonna play a responsible game, and I think Marco knows exactly what he’s getting from me,” Arvidsson said. “I’m gonna help offensively and bring scoring. I know I can do that. I know I had a little bit of a tough time last year with that and the opportunity. I’m gonna bring that, I know that. I’m really confident that I’m gonna make the team better.
“Knowing Marco from before, me and him have a really good relationship,” Arvidsson added. “I think (it’s) gonna be a fun year.”