Erik Brannstrom during his stint with the Vancouver Canucks.

Photo credit: Bob Frid – USA TODAY Sports

A former Vancouver Canucks defenseman and first round pick has decided to leave North America and has signed a multi-year contract in Europe.

With the 2024-25 season winding down and pending free agents trying to figure out where they’ll be playing next fall, several players will have options to go play overseas in the top European leagues such as the SHL in Sweden, DEL in Germany, NL in Switzerland and Liiga in Finland.

For a former Vancouver Canucks defenseman, one day after being eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs, he’s already found his new home for the 2025-26 season and beyond.Nearly two months after it was initially reported that Erik Brannstrom wanted to head to Europe, the 25-year-old blueliner has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the 2027-28 season.

On their official website, Lausanne HC of Switzerland’s National League announced that they’ve agreed to terms on a three-year contract with Erik Brannstrom. Financial details of the contract were not revealed.

Note: the quotes in this story are translated from French.

“Lausanne Hockey Club is pleased to formalize the signing of 25-year-old Swedish international defender Erik Brannstrom. His contract will run through the 2027-28 season.”

Brannstrom, a native of Eksjo, Sweden, was selected 15th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights and has gone on to appear in 294 games in the league with the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin acquired him from the Colorado Avalanche a few days before the start of the 2024-25 season and he suited up in 28 games for the club, registering eight points (three goals, five assists), 17 penalty minutes and was a minus-four.Brannstrom was then traded to the New York Rangers in the J.T. Miller deal, before being shipped to the Buffalo Sabres a little over a month later.

On Sunday, Brannstrom’s AHL club, the Rochester Americans, were eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs at the hands of the Laval Rocket, allowing him to officially sign for Lausanne HC today.

Lausanne HC Sporting Director John Fust says that the team is excited to bring Erik Brannstrom on board for the next three seasons and added that he’s a player they’ve been keeping an eye on for a while now.

“We are very pleased to welcome Erik Brannstrom to the Lausanne Hockey Club, a player we have been following for some time. His anticipation, mobility, and ability to contribute offensively make him a modern and complete defender. Our analyses confirm that his experience and versatility will be major assets for our squad. We welcome him to Lausanne.” Fust said.

While Erik Brannstrom is heading to Europe, it’ll be interesting to see what the Buffalo Sabres do regarding his status in North America, as he’s set to be a restricted free agent this summer, but if General Manager Kevyn Adams doesn’t issue him a qualifying offer, he’ll become a UFA on July 1st, which is the most likely scenario at this point in time.

Previously on CanucksDaily

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Former Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Suddenly Ends NHL Career at Just 25 Years Old

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