Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Former No. 15 Overall Draft Pick Departs The NHL For Europe

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 26, 2025 2:27 PM ET

Erik Brannstrom has shown plenty of potential in the NHL, but after failing to land a consistent role in the league, he's departing North America for Europe.

The Vancouver Canucks landed Erik Brannstrom in a trade this past season, and in 28 games for the team he was solid, tallying 3 goals and 8 points in that time, as he finally showed flashes of being a solid NHLer.

The former No. 15 overall pick had been floundering in Ottawa before the trade, but ultimately he simply couldn't thrive there, with many questioning if the 25-year old has what it takes to make it at the NHL level.

Now, we may have our answer to that question, as he has officially announced his signing with Lausanne in Switzerland for the upcoming season, departing the NHL as he looks to reinvent himself and potentailly return to the NHL in the coming years.

In 294 games in the NHL since 2018, the talented defenseman ends his run with 10 goals and 77 points, and while he never quite lived up to the hype, he certainly flashed potential that had fans in Ottawa hoping he could become a star on their blue line one day.

The career of the Swedish born defenseman is far from over however, as we've seen many players depart the NHL for Europe only to return in the coming years as much better players, and this move gives him the opportunity to get extended playing time and improve himself on and off the ice.

At 5-foot-10, it's unclear just how much Brannstrom can improve, but given the talent he's clearly shown, this isn't a player to underestimate, so while he's departing the NHL and North America for now, don't be shocked to see him improve and return in the coming years.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: