The Vancouver Canucks have completed a surprise trade with the Colorado Avalanche.
The move sees former first-round pick Erik Brannstrom head to Vancouver, in exchange for Tucker Poolman (20% salary retained) and a fourth-round draft pick in 2025.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have acquired D Erik Brannstrom from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Tucker Poolman (20% salary retained) and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 6, 2024
The trade has important salary-cap implications for the Canucks ahead of Monday’s roster deadline. The Canucks don’t want to operate in LTIR, as they have done in recent years, and shedding $2 million of Poolman’s $2.5 million salary will help in that regard.
Brannstrom signed a $900,000 contract with the Avalanche on July 2, after scoring 20 points (3-17-20) in 76 games with the Ottawa Senators last season. The 25-year-old left-shot defenceman was the 15th overall draft pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017.
A highlight of what Erik Brannström can do. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/LmOfCQVBSj
— Grady Sas (@GradySas) October 6, 2024
Poolman is entering last year of a four-year, $10 million contract but hasn’t played an NHL game since October 18, 2022. Concussions have likely ended the 31-year-old’s pro hockey career.
More to come…