New York Rangers Part Ways with Veteran Defenseman Erik Brannstrom in Deal with Buffalo Sabres
In a notable roster move, the New York Rangers have officially severed ties with a seasoned defenseman, Erik Brannstrom, after he reportedly declined a new contract offer from the team. The Rangers finalized a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, sending Brannstrom to Buffalo in exchange for forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel.
The trade brings an end to Brannstrom’s brief tenure in New York, which began earlier this year. The 25-year-old defenseman originally joined the Rangers via a trade from the Vancouver Canucks on January 31, 2025. Despite showing flashes of his talent, Brannstrom never suited up for the Rangers’ main roster, instead spending his time in the organization with the Hartford Wolf Pack, New York’s AHL affiliate.
Brannstrom began the 2024-25 season with the Canucks, where he appeared in 28 games and posted eight points (three goals and five assists). Standing 5-foot-10, Brannstrom is known more for his skating ability and offensive upside than physicality, but has struggled to find a consistent role at the NHL level.
Throughout his career, Brannstrom has experienced significant movement across the league. Originally drafted 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Draft, he has since been traded four times — including stops with the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, and Vancouver Canucks before his short stint with New York. In total, he has appeared in 294 NHL games, recording 77 points (10 goals and 67 assists). Now with the Sabres, he will initially report to their AHL affiliate in Rochester, according to Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams.
In exchange, the Rangers receive forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a gritty bottom-six forward who has also struggled to maintain consistent NHL minutes in recent years. Aube-Kubel signed with the Sabres as a free agent in July 2024 and played 19 games with Buffalo this season, notching one goal and one assist. After being placed on waivers, he was reassigned to Rochester in January, where he has played since.
Aube-Kubel, 28, is expected to provide depth and energy to the Rangers’ forward group, especially given his reputation as a physical, forechecking presence who can contribute defensively on the fourth line. While not known for his scoring, his style of play could fit well into New York’s system as they continue to build toward another postseason run.
The decision to part ways with Brannstrom reflects the Rangers’ commitment to reshaping their roster and likely stems from his refusal to agree to the team’s contract terms. Rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency, New York chose to make a move now.
As both players head to new cities and new locker rooms, each will hope that this latest change in scenery leads to a more permanent home — and perhaps a new chapter of stability in their NHL careers.
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