With reports of defenceman Erik Brannstrom being called up lingering for the past 24 hours, the Vancouver Canucks made the move official on Thursday morning.
In doing so, they also revealed a piece of unexpected news: fellow defender Derek Forbort has left the team.
The veteran blueliner will be away for an indefinite period of time for “personal reasons,â the team announced.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that D Erik BrÀnnström has been recalled from Abbotsford (AHL) and that D Derek Forbort has left the team for personal reasons.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 17, 2024
Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK televisionâs Donnie and Dhali show is reporting that it isnât expected to be a long term absence.
âCould be back in a few days,â he said.
Derek Forbort has left the Canucks for personal reasons.
Doesnât sound long term.
Could be back in.a few days.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) October 17, 2024
Spending the past three seasons with the Boston Bruins, Forbort, the 32-year-old joined Vancouver as a free agent on July 1 when he agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. Forbort played on the Canucks’ third pairing for the first three games of the season.
Over the course of his 499-game career, the 6-foot-4 Minnesota native has also suited up for the Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, and Los Angeles Kings.
With Forbort sidelined, Brannstrom, an offensive defenceman acquired in a trade from the Colorado Avalanche, is set to step in and take on a bottom-pairing role.
Brannstrom, 25, has played 266 NHL games, including 76 with the Ottawa Senators last season, where he recorded 20 points (3-17-20).
The slick Swedish defenceman has already made an impact in Abbotsford too, tallying three assists in two AHL games this season.
Riding a poor streak of 0-1-2, the Canucks will take on the Florida Panthers on the road tonight at 4 pm PT.