Rick Tocchet Explains Why Defenseman Erik Brannstrom Continues to be a Healthy Scratch
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has finally explained why he hasn't inserted Swedish defenseman Erik Brannstrom into the team's lineup since New Year's Eve.
It's been a tough stretch for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Erik Brannstrom as he's found himself in the press box for the last six games, with his last contest coming on New Year's Eve against the Calgary Flames.
Since joining the Vancouver Canucks via a trade with the Colorado Avalanche before the 2024-25 season got underway, Erik Brannstrom has played a small, but important role on the team's blue line and while he's made his fair share of mistakes, as any player does, his ability to move the puck effectively is something that the team needs, especially on the transition.
This isn't Brannstrom's first multi-game stint in the press box with Vancouver after being on the sidelines for a pair of games in mid-December and when asked at the time why he made the decision to scratch the Swede, Rick Tocchet pointed to his defensive play slipping.
Rick Tocchet explains why Erik Brannstrom hasn't played in the last six games
When meeting with reporters before Saturday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Rick Tocchet was asked for his reasoning behind the decision to continually scratch Erik Brannstrom.
I think puck-moving defensemen, but you've also got to defend. There's a lot of different things. I think Bris (Brisebois) is a good defender.
We've got Hughes now. I just think the risk reward part of it is something we'd rather go this way. But that doesn't mean he won't get in." Tocchet said.
Brannstrom, 25, has skated in 28 games for the Canucks this season where he's registered eight points (three goals, five assists), 17 penalty minutes and is a minus-four.
It'll be interesting to see if Erik Brannstrom will draw back into the lineup for that contest against a very strong Jets team.
