The Avalanche aren’t done with their free agent signings yet, as they sign Erik Brännström to a one-year deal.
It is officially day two of NHL free agency, and the Colorado Avalanche aren’t done with their signings yet, as they add defenseman Erik Brännström on a one-year deal with an AAV of $900,000.
Brannstrom in burgundy and blue.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/eRPUQadtkS
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 2, 2024
The 24-year-old defenseman has spent the entirety of his career playing for the Ottawa Senators until this point. Similarly to Parker Kelly, he was another player who was not given a qualifying offer by the Senators when the time came. He is coming off of a career high of 20 points in 76 games during the 2023-2024 season.
Erik Brannstrom, signed 1x$0.9M by COL, is a puck-moving defenceman. A strong and ambitious break-out passer and puck carrier who drove play very well in a third pair role, but small and a bit turnover prone. Should be a good spot to see what he’s capable of. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/5xyBO7EuPc
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 2, 2024
Brännström has all the makings of a great reclamation project bet for Colorado. His underlying numbers are pretty strong, all things considered, and he looks to be a great fit on the Avs’ third defensive pairing. The turnovers certainly cause a little bit of a concern, but at $900,000, given his numbers, that’s absolutely a chance you’re willing to take.
Given the attributes mentioned above, such as his puck-moving, strong breakout passing, and play-driving abilities, he should fit perfectly in Colorado. Similarly to signings Colorado has made in the past, this is overall very much a low-risk, high-upside bet for the Avs.
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