Swedish defenseman Erik Brannstrom was the former 15th overall pick by the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2017 NHL Draft. In February 2019, the Ottawa Senators acquired Brannstrom as he was part of the Mark Stone trade.
High expectations were on Brannstrom when he was traded to Ottawa. In the end, the Senators never got Brannstrom to turn into the defenseman they were hoping for.
Last season, Brannstrom played in 28 games for the Buffalo Sabres and had some struggles. Today, Brannstrom is finally showing the potential he always had.
Brannstrom playing well in Switzerland league
Today, Brannstrom is part of the Lausanne HC in the Switzerland National League. This season, Brannstrom has dominated since he joined.
Brannstrom has recorded 16 points through his first 15 games played. Brannstrom's 16 points so far are tied for the second most on Lausanne's roster, and tied for the third most in the league.
Seeing Brannstrom thrive offensively can make the Senators wonder how different his career would've been in Ottawa if he performed better.
In 266 games as a Senator, Brannstrom recorded 69 points. Brannstrom's best season as a Senator was in the 2023-24 season when he recorded recorded career highs 20 points and 111 blocked shots.
After some NHL struggles, Brannstrom has now found his game in Switzerland at 26 years old.