Erik Brännström Bio
Erik Brännström is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenceman. Born on September 2, 1999, in Eksjö, Sweden, he is currently a member of Lausanne HC of the Swiss National League. Standing 5 ft 10 in tall and weighing 181 lb, Brännström shoots left and is recognized for his skating, puck-moving ability, and offensive instincts from the blue line.
Selected 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Brännström began his professional career in 2015 and has since played across the NHL, AHL, SHL, and NL. After parts of six NHL seasons with the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks, he now continues his career in Switzerland with Lausanne HC, where his contract runs through the 2027–28 season.
Early Life and Background
Erik Brännström was born on September 2, 1999, in Eksjö, a small town in the Småland region of southern Sweden. Growing up in a hockey-oriented household, he developed his skills in local youth programs before joining the development system of HV71, one of Sweden’s most respected hockey clubs based in Jönköping.
At HV71, Brännström progressed steadily through the junior ranks, debuting at the under-16 level in 2013–14 with twenty-three games in the J16 SM. The following season, he advanced to the J20 SuperElit, where he continued to build a reputation as a smart, mobile defenceman with strong offensive tools. His performances in the HV71 development system laid the foundation for his transition to professional hockey.
Beyond the rink, Brännström comes from a hockey family. His older brother, Isac Brännström, is also a professional hockey player, currently competing in the SHL with Luleå HF. The brothers’ shared passion for the sport shaped Erik’s competitive drive and reinforced his commitment to pursuing a professional career.
Path to Hockey
Brännström’s path to professional hockey moved quickly through the HV71 pipeline. In 2015–16, he made his Swedish Hockey League (SHL) debut with HV71 as a 16-year-old, becoming one of the youngest players to appear in Sweden’s top league. The experience allowed him to adjust to the pace and physicality of professional hockey while continuing to develop his game at the junior level.
His strong two-way play and poise with the puck drew the attention of NHL scouts, and in June 2017, he was selected 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly after the draft, he agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Knights on July 16, 2017, beginning his transition to North American professional hockey.
Erik Brännström Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Brännström’s early professional career was spent primarily with HV71, where he continued to develop as a top defensive prospect. He played the 2015–16 and 2016–17 SHL seasons with HV71, earning increased responsibilities and serving as an offensive contributor from the back end. His progression within the SHL was a key factor in his rise up draft boards.
On July 16, 2017, after being drafted 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights, Brännström signed a three-year entry-level contract. He spent the 2017–18 season with HV71 and was later recalled by the Golden Knights on May 5, 2018, during their 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs run. He did not appear in any playoff games, but the experience provided valuable exposure to the NHL environment.
2017–2019: Vegas Golden Knights and Trade to Ottawa
Brännström attended the Golden Knights’ 2018 training camp but was reassigned to the American Hockey League on September 27, 2018. During the 2018–19 AHL season, he was selected to participate in the 2019 AHL All-Star Game, reflecting his growing reputation as one of the league’s top young defencemen.
On February 25, 2019, Brännström was traded to the Ottawa Senators as part of the package that sent Mark Stone to the Vegas Golden Knights. After the trade, he was assigned to Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, before being recalled and making his NHL debut on March 14, 2019, against the St. Louis Blues. He was returned to Belleville shortly after the game to continue his development.
Ottawa Senators Era (2019–2024)
Brännström opened the 2019–20 season with Ottawa but struggled at the NHL level and was sent down to Belleville on December 5, 2019. After posting strong numbers in the AHL, he was recalled on December 16, 2019. A wrist injury suffered with Belleville in late February 2020 limited his playing time near the end of the season.
On October 5, 2020, Brännström was loaned to the SCL Tigers of the Swiss National League for the start of the 2020–21 season. He recorded eight points in ten games with the Tigers before returning to Ottawa for the start of NHL training camp. After being assigned to Belleville again in January 2021, he was recalled in February and scored his first NHL goal on February 24, 2021, against the Montreal Canadiens. He finished the abbreviated season with two goals and thirteen points in thirty games.
During the 2021–22 season, Brännström broke his hand blocking a shot against the Los Angeles Kings on November 13, 2021, and missed significant time before returning on January 1, 2022. He finished the year with 14 points in 53 games. On September 5, 2022, he signed a one-year, $900,000 contract extension with Ottawa, and his 2022–23 season saw marked improvement, ending with two goals and 18 points in 74 games. On July 1, 2023, he signed another one-year extension, and during 2023–24 he played a career-best 76 games, making his 200th NHL appearance on November 18, 2023, and finishing with career highs of three goals and 20 points.
2024–Present: Vancouver, New York, Buffalo, and Lausanne HC
As a pending restricted free agent, Brännström was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Senators and became an unrestricted free agent, ending his five-year tenure in Ottawa. On July 2, 2024, he signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Colorado Avalanche, but on the last day of training camp he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for defenceman Tucker Poolman and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks before being recalled on October 16, 2024.
Brännström made his Canucks debut on October 17, 2024, in a 3–2 overtime victory over the Florida Panthers and recorded his first point with Vancouver on October 22, 2024, assisting on Pius Suter’s third-period goal. He scored his first Canucks goal on November 12, 2024, in a 3–1 win over the Calgary Flames, often paired with Vincent Desharnais. After falling in and out of the lineup, he was placed on waivers and assigned to Abbotsford, finishing his Vancouver stint with three goals and eight points in 28 games.
On January 31, 2025, Brännström was traded to the New York Rangers as part of the package that brought J. T. Miller to Vancouver. He was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL and, on March 7, 2025, was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Nicolas Aubé-Kubel before being assigned to the Rochester Americans. On May 26, 2025, he signed a contract with Lausanne HC of the Swiss National League, returning to the NL on a deal that runs through the 2027–28 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Brännström is widely regarded as an offensively minded defenceman with strong skating, smooth puck-handling, and the vision to quarterback a power play. His ability to join the rush and make accurate breakout passes has been a hallmark of his game, and he has often been deployed in offensive-zone starts and on special teams. Defensively, his smaller frame requires him to rely on positioning, anticipation, and active stick work, and his transition play remains a key asset at every level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Brännström’s first NHL goal came on February 24, 2021, against the Montreal Canadiens, a milestone moment in his development with Ottawa. He also recorded his first multi-point game on May 5, 2021, with three assists in a 5–1 win over Montreal. His 200th NHL appearance came on November 18, 2023, while playing for the Senators, and he set career highs with three goals and 20 points during the 2023–24 season.
Erik Brännström Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey runs deep in the Brännström family. Erik’s older brother, Isac Brännström, is also a professional hockey player and currently competes in the Swedish Hockey League with Luleå HF. The two brothers have supported each other’s careers and share a commitment to the sport that began in their hometown of Eksjö.
Personal Life
Brännström is known to keep much of his personal life private. He has spent most of his professional career living in the cities where his teams have been based, including Ottawa, Vancouver, and now Lausanne. His commitment to family and his Swedish roots remain central to his identity as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
Brännström’s 2025 calendar year has been defined by constant change and adjustment. He began the year with the Vancouver Canucks, contributing three goals and eight points in 28 NHL games while frequently moving between the NHL roster and the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL. His role with Vancouver fluctuated as the team managed its defensive depth throughout the first half of the season.
Following his trade to the New York Rangers on January 31, 2025, Brännström was immediately assigned to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, and on March 7, 2025, he was traded again to the Buffalo Sabres and assigned to the Rochester Americans. These moves kept him playing regularly in the AHL as he awaited a new opportunity at the NHL level.
On May 26, 2025, Brännström signed with Lausanne HC of the Swiss National League, returning to Switzerland after an earlier loan with the SCL Tigers in 2020–21. With a contract that extends through the 2027–28 season, he is expected to play a top-four role and contribute on the power play as Lausanne competes for playoff success in 2025–26.