The Vancouver Canucks have sent veteran defenseman Erik Brannstrom and prospect winger Arshdeep Bains to their AHL affiliate, Abbotsford, according to general manager Patrik Allvin. This move coincides with fellow defenseman Derek Forbort returning to the team after a brief personal leave, keeping the Canucks’ active roster at 21 players.
Brannstrom, who had been filling in for Forbort, appeared in three games over the past week. The 25-year-old Swede recorded an assist and a +2 rating while averaging 13:23 of ice time per game. Despite a solid shot attempt control rate of 52.1% at even strength, his possession metrics were less impressive, with a 33.3% expected goals-for percentage.
Brannstrom, a 2017 first-round pick, was acquired from the Avalanche in an October 6 trade, during which the Canucks sent Tucker Poolman to Colorado. He cleared waivers and joined Abbotsford, where he posted three assists and a +3 rating in two games before his brief NHL stint.
Arshdeep Bains, a 23-year-old winger, had been recalled to the Canucks after being left off the opening night roster. He appeared in three games this season, averaging 12:38 per game, but has yet to register his first NHL point. Bains, an undrafted free agent from WHL’s Red Deer, showed promise in the AHL last season with 55 points in 59 games, earning him an All-Star Game appearance. Though still a developing player, Bains will return to Abbotsford, where he has the opportunity to continue building his confidence.
Both Brannstrom and Bains remain key pieces of the Canucks’ depth and development strategy, with the potential to contribute more as the season progresses.
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