Trade with the Colorado Avalanche: The details have emerged, big win for Patrik Allvin

On the eve of the National Hockey League's opening night roster deadline, the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche came together to complete a trade. Patrik Allvin dealt injured defenceman Tucker Poolman (20% salary retention) and a fourth-round pick in 2025 in exchange for former first-round pick Erik Brannstrom.

By dealing Tucker Poolman, the Canucks now officially avoid using long-term injured reserve, something they didn't want to do heading into the 2024-25 season. It's also pretty good news for the team's cap situation and if they want to add a player or two later in the year near the trade deadline, as Satiar Shah of Sportsnet 650 pointed out.

This season, Poolman was owed $3 million cash and by retaining 20% of his $2.5 million cap hit, along with taking on Brannstrom's full $900,000 salary, the Canucks are saving $1.15 million. Shah added that the Canucks can now accrue cap space, which will benefit them immensely in March at the trade deadline.

Brannstrom, a native Eksjo, Sweden, was selected 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights back in 2017, but less than two years later was dealt to the Ottawa Senators as part of the Mark Stone trade.

This summer, Brannstrom was set to become a restricted free agent, but his time with the Senators came to a close on June 30th as they decided not to issue him a qualifying offer, making him a UFA.

Brannstrom's time as an unrestricted free agent didn't last too long as just two days after being cut loose by the Ottawa Senators, the Colorado Avalanche signed him to a one-year deal worth $900,000.

The 25-year-old is now with his fourth organization in the National Hockey League and has a lot to prove this year with the Vancouver Canucks if he wants his career to continue in North America beyond 2024-25. Brannstrom has 266 games of NHL experience under his belt and could be a solid third pairing option for Rick Tocchet's group, if an injury occurs.