In a move aimed at bolstering their defensive corps, the Vancouver Canucks have landed Swedish blueliner Erik Brannstrom in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche. The deal sees defenseman Tucker Poolman, along with a fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL draft, heading to the Avalanche in exchange.
As part of the agreement, the Canucks will absorb 20% of Poolman’s $3 million salary for the upcoming season, the final year of his four-year, $10 million contract signed in 2021. The 31-year-old Iowa native has been sidelined since October 2022 due to concussion-related migraines and neurological issues, and Canucks GM Patrik Allvin had previously announced that Poolman would not participate in the 2024-25 campaign.
Brannstrom, 25, was selected 15th overall in the 2017 draft and has accumulated 69 points (seven goals, 62 assists) and 145 penalty minutes across 266 career games. The young defenseman inked a one-year deal with the Avalanche in July, following a six-year stint with the Ottawa Senators.
The trade is seen as a strategic move by the Canucks to free up salary cap space, paving the way for potential future acquisitions. Poolman, who has played for both the Winnipeg Jets and Canucks, has tallied 23 career points (six goals, 17 assists) in 163 games.
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