Ex-Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Erik Brannstrom to End NHL Career Unexpectedly at Season's End
Photo credit: Vancouver Canucks
A former Vancouver Canucks defenseman is reportedly set to leave North America this summer and will be continuing his professional hockey career overseas.
The Vancouver Canucks have seen plenty of change on their roster from the start of the 2024-25 season with numerous trades made by General Manager Patrik Allvin.
One player that has been moved three times this season, Erik Brannstrom, who was acquired from Colorado before the season began, was then dealt once again in the J.T. Miller trade with the New York Rangers and then to the Buffalo Sabres last month, is reportedly gearing up for a change of scenery this summer.
Former Vancouver Canuck Erik Brannstrom reportedly leaving North America
According to Swedish media outlet Expressen, Erik Brannstrom is looking to return to Europe following the 2024-25 season and is eyeing up Switzerland's National League as his next destination.
Expressen shared that two teams in the National League that have open import spots and could be landing spots for Erik Brannstrom are Geneve-Servette and HC Lugano.
"Erik Brannstrom is a known name in Switzerland, as he suited up for ten games with the SCL Tigers during the 2020-21 season. According to info gathered by Expressen, Brannstrom wants to return to Europe but in the National League rather than in his home country, i.e.. Sweden." SwissHockeyNews.ch said.
Brannstrom, a former first-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights, appeared in 28 games with the Vancouver Canucks this season before his trade to New York where he put up eight points (three goals, five assists), 17 penalty minutes and was a minus-four.
The American Hockey League is where Brannstrom has had the most of his success this season including 12 points in eight games with Abbotsford and seven points in eight games with the Rochester Americans.
We'll have to wait and see where things go on this front over the coming months, a move to Europe, even if it's just for a season or two, might not be the worst thing for Erik Brannstrom's career right now.
Getting top-four minutes in one of the best leagues in Europe, National League, will help him refine his game and potentially help him land future NHL opportunities.
Source: SwissHockeyNews.ch
Five years later - Defender Erik Brannstrom to return to Switzerland?
Five years later - Defender Erik Brannstrom to return to Switzerland?
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 3 | 393 ANSWERS Ex-Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Erik Brannstrom to End NHL Career Unexpectedly at Season's End Do you think Erik Brannstrom will ultimately leave North America this summer? | ||
| Yes, it's his best option right now | 322 | 81.9 % |
| No, he'll sign with another NHL team this summer | 71 | 18.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
