The New York Rangers were active today on the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline day. They completed a transaction with the Buffalo Sabres, in exchange went Nicolas Aube-Kubel. For him, the Blueshirts gave up Erik Brannstrom (the Brannchise, for Sens fans). So, let’s see what transpired.
The #sabres are acquiring Erik Brannstrom from #NYR for Nicolas Aube-Kubel.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 7, 2025
Nicolas Aube-Kubel a Ranger (and Erik Brannstrom a Sabre) after Trade
The trade must begin with the playoff-calibre team, sorry Brannstrom. The New York Rangers are heavily entrenched in the Eastern Conference wild card race. Thus, an addition like this on the trade deadline is noteworthy. Kubel has been between the NHL and AHL this season, but as a NHL player. Therefore, his style is calibrated for the playoff game. In 19 games for the Sabres this year, he has two points in 19 games. He’s a physical player, who four seasons in the NHL has recorded 100 or more hits. Having made trades like the J.T. Miller acquisition and shipping out Ryan Lindgren, it has been an adventurous stretch for the Rangers organization.
Erik Brannstrom Joins the Buffalo Sabres
With the trade of Brannstrom and Aube-Kubel there are some aspects to consider, no doubt. Brannstrom has had a slow development through the Ottawa Senators program. However, it was somewhat a slow development for the 25 year old. Brannstrom is extremely skilled. Furthermore, in his career, he is up to 67 assists and 77 points in 294 career regular season games.
In 2021-22, he was playing nearly 20 minutes a game. He is a nearly elite skater, he could succeed under different circumstances. In addition, he requires power play to thrive. In a little over 330 career minutes on the power play, he was comfortably over three points/60 minutes three times. Also, he was partnered up with Thomas Chabot quite often. It was difficult to think that he was the problem. Therefore, he really wasn’t given opportunity under the former general manager Pierre Dorion regime.
In the end, the Rangers are trying to desperately make the playoffs. That is an unusual perspective for Ranger fans. But adding Miller, Brannstrom, and Carson Soucy at the trade deadline means something. They are, at the very least, trying to retool on the fly. For the Sabres, Brannstrom has the potential to succeed as an offensive-minded, top-four defenceman. He hasn’t thus far, but who knows what opportunity he might get in Buffalo. Let’s give this one to the Rangers.
Main Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The post New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres Complete Cross-State Deadline Acquisition appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.