Erik Brannstrom looking to prove himself after trade to Rangers
This story originally appeared on hockeysverige.se and has been translated from Swedish to English.
Colorado, Vancouver, and now the New York Rangers.
Erik Brännström’s season has been turbulent and packed in moving boxes. After recently leaving Vancouver, he has now joined the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
“It has been a lot to process mentally, but at the same time, it’s been fun to play for many teams. Also, I have performed well, so it’s been frustrating to have to move so many times,” Brännström told hockeysverige.se.
The 2017 first-rounder became an unrestricted free agent after not being qualified by the Senators last summer. He signed with the Avalanche on July 2, only to be traded to the Canucks on October 6. And now, he finds himself being a part of the New York Rangers organization after being traded for a second time in the J.T. Miller deal.
“I wasn’t really prepared to be traded from Colorado so quickly,” Brännström said. “Then things went well for me in Vancouver, but over time, I got less playing time and was sent to the AHL. I played very well in the AHL team (Abbotsford), but the New York Rangers pushed to have me included in the J.T. Miller trade.
“That came as a bit of a shock and wasn’t something I expected. I had prepared myself to do well in Abbotsford and hopefully get another chance in Vancouver. That didn’t happen, but it’s exciting to have the opportunity to play for the Rangers. It’s probably the biggest organization over here that you can play for.”
The 25-year-old Swedish defenseman was surprised when he found out he was part of the Miller deal.
“It was unexpected. I was actually at the rink, and we were about to play two games against Calgary’s AHL team. I was sitting in the locker room taping my stick when two teammates came in and told me I might want to check my phone because they had seen something about the trade.
“I had missed some calls, and then I realized something was happening. It was a bit of a shock and not something I was expecting.”
Now in another new home, Brännström is looking forward to his time in New York.
“Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to play up there (with the Rangers) for a few games. That would be amazing. So far, everything feels really positive.”
Does moving so often have negative impacts on a player’s development?
“This wasn’t something I expected from the beginning. I was prepared to play for Colorado. Then it was off to Vancouver, then Abbotsford, and now I’m here. Of course, it’s tough to join new teams, and it takes time to adjust, but it usually works out well. I’ve enjoyed every place I’ve been so far, and for the most part, there are great guys around. In that sense, it has gone well overall.
“That said, moving between so many teams in one season isn’t ideal, but this is how it is now. I can only make the best of the situation.”
As for what the Rangers have told Brännström about his future:
“They haven’t said much about that, but I guess they saw that I have a lot of experience since I have played quite a bit in the NHL. Maybe they see me as insurance in case the Rangers have injuries, but nothing is set in stone. I just have to perform in the AHL, and hopefully, I will get my chance eventually.”
Brännström’s contract expires after this season, but he doesn’t know what will happen next.
“I haven’t thought about it too much and just take things as they come. So far, I’ve had a pretty strong season. Of course, I don’t want to be in the AHL. I want to be in the NHL. That’s the goal for everyone over here. Now, I just have to fight my way back. Then we’ll see what happens in the future.”
If the NHL doesn’t come calling for 2025-26, could Brännström look to head back to Sweden?
“(Laughs) As I said, we’ll see what happens next.”