The Canucks send Tucker Poolman, the Avs choose Erik Brannstrom

The Vancouver Canucks acquired defenseman Erik Brannstrom from the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, sending defenseman Tucker Poolman and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft in return.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said his team will retain 20% of Poolman's salary, who is scheduled to make $3 million this season in the final year of a four-year, $10 million contract signed in 2021.

Brannstrom, a 25-year-old Swede, was the 15th overall pick of the 2017 draft. He signed a one-year contract with the Avalanche in July after spending parts of six seasons with the Ottawa Senators.

In 266 career games, Brannstrom has 69 points (seven goals, 62 assists) and 145 penalty minutes.

The Canucks had hoped to trade Poolman, a native of Iowa, to free up salary cap space. Poolman played three games in the 2022–23 season and has not played since October 18, 2022 due to migraines and neurological problems related to concussions.

Allvin said last month that Poolman would not play in the 2024-25 season due to health reasons.

Poolman, 31, appeared in 163 games over five seasons for the Winnipeg Jets (2017-18, 2019-21) and Canucks (2021-23). He has 23 career points (six goals, 17 assists).