Erik Brannstrom Gets Traded, Then Placed on Waivers on Sunday

Former first-rounder Erik Brannstrom, after signing with the Colorado Avalanche as a free agent back in July, was traded early on Sunday to the Vancouver Canucks, as per this team announcement:

General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have acquired D Erik Brannstrom from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Tucker Poolman (20% salary retained) and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 6, 2024

The Canucks finally got rid of Tucker Poolman's $2.5 million contract (with 20% retained), and also sent a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft to the Avs in exchange for Brannstrom and his $900,000 deal.

But almost immediately, the Canucks placed Brannstrom on waivers. The goal is to have him clear so that he can be sent to Abbotsford in the AHL. It's all part of Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin’s manoeuvrings in order to get his cap situation in order and set the team’s final roster on Monday.

The 25-year-old Brannstrom is actually coming off a pretty decent season with the Ottawa Senators, posting a career-high 20 points and registering a plus/minus rating of +5 while playing 16:35 per night.

The Sens, however, did not extend him a qualifying offer after the 2023-24 season, and he became a UFA.

Brannstrom was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft by the
Vegas Golden Knights.