Vancouver Canucks forced to recall defenseman after Derek Forbort unexpectedly leaves the team

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Julien Trekker
October 17, 2024 (1:12 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks were forced to recall defenseman Erik Brannstrom after Derek Forbort unexpectedly left the team for personal reasons.

During the training camp, the Vancouver Canucks agreed on the terms of a trade with the Colorado Avalanche. In return for Tucker Poolman and a 2025 4th-round pick, the Canucks acquired the defenseman Erik Brannstrom before sending him to the AHL, with the Abbotsford Canucks.

On Thursday morning, Canucks General Manager Patrick Allvin announced that after spending the start of the season in the AHL, Brannstrom would finally get a chance to play in the NHL.

Indeed, he was recalled after Derek Forbort left the team for personal reasons.

Forbort, 32, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Canucks this summer after three seasons with the Boston Bruins. In three games this season, the veteran defenseman scored one point.

No details were revealed regarding the nature of his absence, except that it was for personal reasons. This leaves a lot of room for speculation to grow, but out of respect, let's wait for an official update about the situation drops before making any assumptions.

As for Brannstrom, he currently leads his AHL team in points with three assists in two games so far this season. Last year, Brannstrom played 74 games with the Ottawa Senators and scored 20 points, including three goals, before joining the Avalanche in the offseason under a one-year contract.

The Canucks will be back in action tonight. They are set to face the Stanley Cup Champions Florida Panthers in Vancouver as they look to get their first win of the 2024-25 NHL season.

We can expect an update on the Canucks lineup soon, in which we should learn the status of Brannstrom for the game.

Stay tuned.