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Vegas Golden Knights: Erik Brannstrom Shines In First Game At World Juniors

By Richard Cardinale

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Erik Brannstrom, 15th overall pick of the Vegas Golden Knights. poses for a portrait during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Erik Brannstrom, 15th overall pick of the Vegas Golden Knights. poses for a portrait during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Vegas Golden Knights may have themselves a winner in Erik Brannstrom.

At the NHL Awards, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired not one, not two but three first-round draft picks in the expansion draft. Those first-round draft picks are a crucial part of the success of this franchise for years to come. However, some experts say the 2017 NHL Entry draft was one of the weakest talent pools in recent years.

When Vegas general manager George McPhee already selected Cody Glass and Nick Suzuki with his first two picks, he had to be thrilled. Top tier talents from their respective leagues, but unfortunately they did not make Team Canada’s World Junior roster. Luckily, the Golden Knights third first-round pick Erik Brannstrom did make the Sweden roster.

The Eksjö, Sweden native signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Knights to lock him in the organization. Brannstrom is a defenseman with a ton of poise and loves to move the puck quickly and with effectiveness. The knock on Brannstrom was always his size. He stands at 5’9 which is very undersized for a blueliner.

Even if his size doesn’t favor him, there are reasons to believe he’ll be the real deal. Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins is also small for a defenseman, but he’s turning out to be just fine. Jared Spurgeon of the Minnesota Wild is another excellent example of one of the league’s best small defenseman, so don’t let Brannstrom’s stature take away from his ability.

As a matter of fact, with the way the NHL is trending, it only favors the 18-year old’s game. Fast skating, quick transition and winning one on one battles. That is Brannstrom’s game, and that’s how he wants to play.

Brannstrom came into today’s game on a mission. The young defenseman recorded a goal and an assist in Sweden’s 6-1 victory over Belarus. And he looked like one of the best players on the ice, check out some of these highlights:

If this is whats in store for the Golden Knights in a few years, then get excited Vegas. Brannstrom looks like a unique talent with sky-high potential. Check out what analysts said about him at the NHL Entry Draft.

Next: Vegas Golden Knights: Number One Story In NHL.

All in all, the Vegas Golden Knight look set for the foreseeable future. Once again, McPhee has done a fantastic job scouting at the NHL and amateur levels. With Glass, Suzuki, and Brannstrom all trending in the right direction, the franchise cornerstones are starting to settle into place.

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