Maybe. This makes sense if it happens.

VAN should absolutely take this deal.

Detroit wouldn't be the team retaining, Unlike Eriksson Nielsen still has some value and can still play. Both are owed $4 million over the next 2 seasons Frans Nielsen 2020/2021 $2,500,000 owed +2021/2022 $1,500,000 owed and Loui Eriksson 2020/2021 $1,000,000 owed + 2021/2022 $3,000,000 owed. if anyone is retaining it would be Benning slightly on Eriksson like $650,000 to even it out. FWIW DET eating $1.25 mil on Nielsen for 2 more years so Vancouver gets Nielsen @ $4.0 mil for 2 years while Detroit takes on Loui Eriksson's full 2 years @ $6 mil for only a 4th round pick. Vancouver makes out like bandits while Detroit gets the royal shaft.

Honestly, I think Vancouver is better off retaining $2-$3 million on Loui, especially considering he's a more than capable defensive forward. Someone might like him a little more at that price and the Canucks would probably have to give up less in futures.

A little off topic, but what's the asking price for Jake Virtanen and is Vancouver looking to move him?

I think people under estimate Loui, he is a VERY good defensive player he is just paid too much.

Comparing stats last year there wasn't much of a difference

Frans - 4G 5A 9P
Loui - 6G 7A 13P

What would you suggest would be a good compensation for 1.25M retained for 2 years?

Id just keep neilson instead of this deal.

Even Nielsen and Eriksson 1 for 1 Vancouver would still need to add a 2nd round pick on top of Eriksson, Detroit is still taking on $750,000 for the exact same 2 years and then retains $1.25 mil on Nielsen on top of it. Eriksson has no future in Detroit we're taking him on to help Benning out. There's no incentive here for Yzerman to make this deal without something better coming his way and a 4th round pick doesn't cut it. Basically you're looking at 2021 2nd round pick+2022 2nd round pick and a 2023 3rd round pick for DET to retain $1.25 mil on Nielsen for 2 years that's minimal. Eriksson will be buried in Grand Rapids noway he makes Detroit's roster he's a major cap dump pure and simple.