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Senators Sign Former Top Prospect Brannstrom to 1-Year Deal

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Colton Pankiw | Last updated 9/6/22

The Ottawa Senators announced on Monday morning that they have re-signed defenseman Erik Brannstrom to a one-year, $900,000 contract.

Brannstrom, 23, was once viewed as not only a top prospect for the Senators, but the entire league. He was the main piece acquired in the blockbuster trade three and a half years ago that saw Mark Stone head to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Despite all the hype surrounding him in recent years, Brannstrom has failed to live up to the hype, as he has yet to truly solidify himself as an everyday player at the NHL level. That said, he was able to suit up for a career-high 53 games with the Senators this past season, registering 14 assists while averaging just under 20 minutes in ice time.

“Erik is among our group of young players who we’re looking upon to take another step forward next season,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said shortly after the signing. “He’s competitive, has an ability to efficiently move the puck and showed well when asked to take on an increased role last season. We’re hopeful that experience pays dividends for him in the year ahead.”

If the Senators hope to be a playoff team in 2022-23, they will need players such as Brannstrom to step up on the back end. Dorion did a fantastic job of improving his team’s forward group this summer but failed to address his blue line, one that lacks experience. Aside from Thomas Chabot, most would consider it to be their Achilles heel, though that perception will be changed if players such as Brannstrom and Jake Sanderson are able to live up to their potential.

In other Senators’ news, rookie blueliner Jake Sanderson says his hand is healed and according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press, the defenseman met with media during the NHLPA rookie showcase and he noted he expects to be 100% healthy for training camp.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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