Report: Senators not expected to qualify Brannstrom

The Ottawa Senators aren't expected to issue a qualifying offer to restricted free-agent defenseman Erik Brannstrom, sources told Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

The move will make Brannstrom an unrestricted free agent.

The qualifying offer would've been $2 million, and Brannstrom could've earned more with his arbitration rights.

Brannstrom was the centerpiece of the return package in the 2019 Mark Stone trade, but the 5-foot-10 defenseman hasn't carved out a consistent top-four role during his six seasons in Ottawa.

The 24-year-old, who was selected 15th overall by Vegas at the 2017 draft, will become one of the youngest UFAs available.

Brannstrom recorded a career-high 20 points in 76 games this past season, averaging 16:35 per contest. He's routinely posted strong defensive underlying numbers when placed in a sheltered, third-pairing role.