Former 1st-Round Pick Erik Brannstrom Leaving NHL After Six Seasons

Friday, April 04, 2025 , , ,

Erik Brännström, once a highly touted first-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, is officially leaving the NHL after six seasons to continue his career overseas. 

The Swedish defenseman, who was drafted for his puck-moving ability and offensive instincts, never quite found consistent footing in North America. 

After being traded to Ottawa as the centerpiece in the 2019 deal for Mark Stone, Brännström showed flashes of potential but struggled to cement himself as a top-four defenseman. Over 244 NHL games, he tallied just 51 points and often found himself sliding down the depth chart or as a healthy scratch.

The 25-year-old is now set to sign a multi-year contract with Switzerland’s SC Bern of the National League, a move that marks a huge change in direction for a player once expected to quarterback an NHL power play. 

While not officially announced, reports from Europe indicate the deal is all but finalized. Brännström had drawn some mild interest from NHL teams in free agency, but with no guaranteed role and a limited market, the decision to leave was driven by a desire for stability and a bigger role. 

“It’s about playing, feeling valued, and being able to contribute,” a source close to Brännström said. “He’s still got a lot to offer the game—just maybe not in the NHL right now.”

The 25-year-old was drafted in the first-round (15th overall) by the Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. 

Photo Credit:  Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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