The Trade That Shook Ottawa
In 2019, the Ottawa Senators made a bold move that would forever reshape their roster and legacy. Mark Stone, a key player and fan favorite, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. This decision, which former owner Eugene Melnyk claimed had been in the works for some time, was met with mixed reactions from fans and media alike. Among the players the Senators received in return was Erik Brännström, a diminutive but highly touted Swedish defenseman. General Manager Pierre Dorion was elated, even going so far as to call it his proudest moment as GM. Brännström was seen as the jewel of the trade, a player who could potentially fill the void left by Stone’s departure. However, history has shown that Brännström’s journey in the NHL was far from smooth.
The Rough Path to Success
Despite the high hopes surrounding him, Erik Brännström found it challenging to establish himself as an impact player in the NHL. He had back-to-back seasons with over 70 games played in Ottawa, but his performance did not match the expectations set by Dorion. The Senators, looking to reshape their roster, let Brännström become an unrestricted free agent last year. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for the defenseman. In the 2024-25 season alone, Brännström played for four different organizations: the Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Buffalo Sabres. The constant movement and lack of stability took a toll, and it seemed that his NHL career might be over.
A New Chapter in Switzerland
Facing the reality of his situation, Brännström made the difficult decision to sign a three-year deal with Lausanne HC in Switzerland’s top league. This move represented a fresh start for the 26-year-old, a chance to rediscover his game and regain the confidence that had once made him a highly coveted prospect. Switzerland, known for its competitive and structured league, provided the perfect environment for Brännström to thrive. In his first season with Lausanne, he has been nothing short of exceptional. In 30 games, he has scored 13 goals and recorded 25 points, leading all defencemen in both categories. He is also 10th in overall league scoring, a remarkable feat that has caught the attention of many hockey fans and analysts.
Competing with Former Teammates
Brännström’s success in Switzerland has placed him in a unique position among his former teammates. Fellow former Senators draft picks Marcus Sorensen and Andre Petersson are also excelling in the Swiss league, with 27 and 25 points respectively. Even Filip Zadina, a player many Sens fans had advocated for over Brady Tkachuk in the 2018 NHL Draft, is having a strong season with 14 goals and 26 points. Brännström is also outpacing another former Senator, Dominik Kubalík, who has 13 goals and 23 points. This competitive environment has only fueled Brännström’s determination to prove his worth and show that he can still be a dominant force on the ice.
A Change in Direction for the Senators
The Senators’ decision to let Brännström go into unrestricted free agency was a clear indication of the direction they were taking. GM Steve Staios, who took over from Dorion, was looking to build a bigger, more physical defense corps. This was evident in their recent draft picks, such as Carter Yakemchuk in Round 1 and the 6-foot-7 Gabriel Elliason. Despite having some depth issues on the left side of their blue line, the Senators felt that Brännström, generously listed at 5-foot-10, did not fit their vision for the future. While this decision may have been tough for Brännström, it has allowed him to find success and a new lease on his career in Switzerland.
Embracing a New Future
For Erik Brännström, the move to Switzerland may have been a plan B, but it has certainly turned out to be a silver lining. At 26, he is still in the prime of his career and has shown that he can be a dominant force when given the right opportunity. His success with Lausanne HC is a testament to his skill, resilience, and determination. While the NHL may have been a challenging environment for him, Brännström has found a place where he can shine and continue to develop as a player. For Sens fans and hockey enthusiasts alike, it is heartening to see a player who once carried such high hopes find new life and success in a different league.
