Erik Brannstrom landing spots: Top 3 NHL teams who should consider picking Vancouver Canucks D-man off waivers

The Vancouver Canucks placed defenseman Erik Brannstrom on waivers on Sunday, Sportsnet reported. Canucks’ GM Patrik Allvin indicated that Brannstrom will be headed to the team’s AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Erik Brannstrom joined Vancouver following a trade with the Colorado Avalanche that sent Tucker Poolman to Colorado. Poolman has been on LTIR all season long.

So, here’s a look at three potential landing spots for Erik Brannstrom now that he’s hit the waiver wire in Vancouver.

3 landing spots for Erik Brannstrom after being placed on waivers by Vancouver Canucks

#3 Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have been in the market for more defensive help. While Erik Brannstrom is not the top-four blue liner the Oilers are reportedly seeking, he does fill a gap for the club insofar as depth is concerned.

Brannstrom can easily slide in the Edmonton Oilers’ third pairing while providing additional depth for the second pairing if need be. Most importantly, Brannstrom comes cheap with a $775K cap hit. So, he could be a solid depth option for Edmonton.

#2 New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are another club looking to fill out their blue line depth with cost-effective solutions. Brannstrom provides that, plus giving the Isles a young defenseman that could potentially grow into a mainstay under Patrick Roy’s system.

Brannstrom comes cheap, something the Isles have been reportedly looking to get while giving the club options in the bottom four. The Islanders have been dealing with injuries and inconsistency all season long. As such, adding someone like Brannstrom can complement depth defensemen like Gran Hutton and rookie Isaiah George.

Adding Brannstrom would be a low-risk proposition for the Isles. It would make sense for the New York Islanders to take a chance on Brannstrom as he could become a key member down the road.

#1 Utah Hockey Club

The Utah Hockey Club has been another team looking for depth defensive help since the loss of Sean Durzi and Johan Marino at the start of the season. The Hockey Club added Olli Maatta via trade, but has reportedly been looking to add depth all season long.

While Brannstrom isn’t a top-pairing defenseman who could ride shotgun with Mikhail Sergachev, Brannstrom could add further depth to the bottom four.

Additionally, Utah looks to be building for the future. That is why stocking up on useful pieces can help the Hockey Club build a solid list of players, either to deploy on the ice or use as trade chips as part of a larger deal for a high-end player.

The Hockey Club loses nothing in adding a blue liner like Brannstrom, while potentially gaining a useful and motivated player.