Canucks Place Erik Brännström on Waivers

In a surprising turn of events, the Vancouver Canucks have placed defenseman Erik Brännström on waivers, according to insider Rick Dhaliwal of Dhaliwal Sports. This marks a significant moment since Brännström has not made an appearance in the Canucks’ lineup since December 31st. The 25-year-old defenseman had previously cleared waivers before the regular season, only to be shuffled between the NHL and AHL multiple times during his waiver-exempt period.

A Rollercoaster Career

Brännström’s journey in the NHL has been a rollercoaster, putting him under the microscope in recent seasons. Drafted 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, Brännström was quickly traded to the Ottawa Senators in a deal for Mark Stone. After impressing in Sweden's SHL, where he tallied 15 points in 44 games at just 19 years old, he moved to North America for the 2018-19 season.

Challenges in the NHL

While he showcased his talent in the AHL, with an impressive total of 53 points across his first two years, translating that success to the NHL proved to be challenging. It took 40 games for Brännström to score his first NHL goal, and he only managed to reach 20 points in a full season five years later. Last season, he played a career-high 76 games with Ottawa, where he finally reached that elusive 20-point milestone, leading to expectations of a breakout.

Summer Moves and Struggles with the Canucks

This past summer, buoyed by a brief resurgence, the Colorado Avalanche signed him for a one-year, $900K deal, only to trade him to the Canucks for a fourth-round pick in October. Adjusting to Vancouver, he started the season on the bottom defensive pairing but even received some time on the top defensive line in November and December. Unfortunately, his scoring difficulties have continued, with a mere eight points in 28 games this season.

What’s Next for Brännström?

Having already cleared waivers earlier this season, Brännström may not find a new home immediately. It's plausible he will pass through waivers unclaimed and continue to oscillate between the NHL and AHL. Notably, he has had some success in the AHL this season, recording three assists in just two games. Could this spark a turnaround for the promising but underperforming defender?

Future Uncertainty

As the Canucks navigate through their challenges, the future of Erik Brännström remains uncertain. Will this be the wake-up call he needs to regain his footing in the NHL, or will he continue to struggle in the shadows? Fans and analytics will certainly be watching closely!