Canucks acquire Brannstrom from Avs for Poolman, pick

The Vancouver Canucks acquired defenseman Erik Brannstrom from the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Tucker Poolman and a 2025 fourth-round pick, the teams announced Sunday.

The Canucks retained 20% of Poolman's $2.5-million cap hit. The 31-year-old hasn't played since 2022.

Brannstrom, 26, signed a one-year contract worth $900,000 with the Avalanche on July 2. He tallied three goals and 20 points in 76 games last season with the Ottawa Senators but didn't receive a qualifying offer.

The Canucks subsequently placed Brannstrom on waivers for assignment to the AHL.

By trading Poolman, Vancouver doesn't need to use long-term injured reserve and can accrue cap space throughout the season. The Canucks have just shy of $1.2 million of cap space after the deal, according to PuckPedia.