Ottawa Senators Not Bringing Back Erik Brannstrom

For much of this past season, Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom was the subject of trade rumors. However, the Senators did not move him before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. Yet, they are now officially moving on from him.

According to Bruce Garrioch, the Senators are not going to send Brannstrom a qualifying offer. Because of this, the former first rounder will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Will have more later but sources say #Sens aren’t expected to qualify Erik Brannstrom. Will be a UFA.
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 30, 2024

This is certainly an uneventful end to Brannstrom's tenure with the Senators, but it is clear that he is in need of a change of scenery. When noting that he was the main piece that the Senators got back in their 2019 Mark Stone trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, it is tough to see his time with the club end in this manner.

As an unrestricted free agent, there is no question that Brannstrom will generate interest. While he did not become the star defenseman that many predicted he would after being drafted in the first round, he is still a decent bottom-pairing option. In addition, at just 24 years old, some clubs could feel that he has not hit his ceiling just yet.

In 76 games this past season with the Senators, Brannstrom posted three goals to go along with 20 points and a plus-5 rating.