#2 Erik Brannstrom
The Ottawa Senators received Erik Brannstrom from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Mark Stone out of Ottawa. It was on a day that Pierre Dorion later called his proudest day as General Manager of the Ottawa Senators. Since that day, Brannstrom has been one of the Senators’ prized assets, touted as the future of the Senators’ blueline alongside Thomas Chabot.
This past season, the 20 year-old defenseman played 27 games with the Belleville Senators. In the AHL, his offensive prowess was evident as he had 3 goals and 20 assists for 23 points in 27 games.
Erik Brannstrom goes for a skate and creates a good chance for himself pic.twitter.com/k6W0rIKgAZ
— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) March 3, 2019
Brannstrom also played 31 games with the Ottawa Senators this season. Despite showing flashes of his skill and puck-moving ability, he also struggled to find consistency at the NHL level. Brannstrom ended the season with 4 assists and a minus 9 goal differential.
I have selected Brannstrom as a top candidate to graduate from the Belleville Senators going into next season because I believe he can win a roster spot over Mike Rielly and Christian Jaros going forward. I also believe Olle Alsing will be better suited with the Belleville Senators next season to become accustomed to North American ice. Leaving Brannstrom one less competitor.
Brannstrom’s ice-time also steadily increased during his time with the Ottawa Senators this season, twice clocking almost 22 minutes. This pattern seems to be trending towards garnering an increased role going forward as both of these games were at the end of his time in the NHL this season.