Colorado Avalanche Acquires Tucker Poolman from Vancouver Canucks

The Colorado Avalanche has completed a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, acquiring defenseman Tucker Poolman and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Erik Brannstrom. The announcement was made public by the Avalanche on Sunday, this move further shakes up the rosters ahead of the NHL season.

Patrik Allvin, the General Manager of the Canucks, revealed that Vancouver will retain 20% of Poolman’s $3 million salary in his final contract year. Poolman, who has been facing migraines and neurological issues due to concussions, hasn’t participated in an NHL game since October 2022 and is not expected to play in the 2024-25 season.

Poolman, a native of Iowa, has played 163 games in the NHL, contributing 23 points (six goals and 17 assists) during his time with the Canucks and previously with the Winnipeg Jets. The move is seen as a strategic decision to free up salary cap space for the Canucks, given Poolman’s health status.

For the Avalanche, Brannstrom joined the team in July after signing a one-year deal. However, his tenure with the team was short-lived as he didn’t meet expectations during preseason play. Despite being the 15th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Brannstrom struggled to secure a spot on the Avalanche’s defensive lineup, competing against players like Calvin De Haan and Oliver Kylington.

This trade also impacts the Avalanche’s salary cap, as Poolman’s status will place him on the Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), possibly providing financial flexibility. The adjustment is timely as the team navigates roster complexities, including the forthcoming return of Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.