Roster Move: Vancouver Canucks Surprisingly Place Defenseman Erik Brannstrom on Waivers
The Vancouver Canucks have made a big decision regarding Erik Brannstrom after being scratched for nearly two weeks.
With the Vancouver Canucks set to wrap up their five-game road trip on Tuesday night against the Winnipeg Jets, the club has used their day-off as an opportunity to get some business done off the ice.
Swedish defenseman Erik Brannstrom hasn't played since December 31st against the Calgary Flames and it's been a frustrating time for him as the former first-round pick wants to be on the ice contributing.
Prior to Saturday's game in Toronto, Rick Tocchet was asked why Erik Brannstrom hasn't been playing and he gave this response:
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.
Sitting in the press box for nearly two weeks isn't doing Erik Brannstrom any good and the team finally realized that on Sunday morning, leading to a roster move.
Vancouver Canucks place Erik Brannstrom on waivers
According to Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali, the Vancouver Canucks have placed Erik Brannstrom on waivers for the purpose of assigning him to the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Canucks.
Brannstrom, 25, has appeared in 28 games for the Vancouver Canucks this season after being acquired in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche just before the 2024-25 campaign began.
In those 28 games, the Eksjo, Sweden native has registered eight points (three goals, five assists), 17 penalty minutes and is a minus-four.
The decision to place Erik Brannstrom on waivers on Sunday could signal that defenseman Filip Hronek is set to return to the team after missing just over a month with upper and lower body injuries, the latter of which required a procedure.
We'll find out at 11 am PT on Monday whether or not Erik Brannstrom has cleared waivers and will be assigned to Abbotsford or if another NHL team has placed a claim on him.
