Brannstrom hopes to be offensive defenseman for Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS -- Erik Brannstrom of the Vegas Golden Knights is 5-foot-10, likes to join the rush and shoot the puck.
So why is the 17-year-old a defenseman and not a center?

"I like to play, and you play more as a 'D' than a forward," Brannstrom said at Golden Knights development camp last month. "I like to play a lot and have the puck and take responsibility out there, so I think it fits me."
Brannstrom, the No. 15 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, was lauded for his vision and speed playing against mostly older players with HV71 in Sweden last season. The left-handed shot had six points (one goal, five assists) in 35 games to help them win the Swedish Hockey League title.

"That's where the game is going, with mobile defensemen," Golden Knights general manager George McPhee said.
Brannstrom describes himself as an offensive defenseman who thrives on the power play, but acknowledged he has little patience for those who question whether he's big enough to play in the NHL.
"I am undersized and I can't do anything about it," said Brannstrom, who weighs 173 pounds. "So I just try to play my game and be smart. There are much smaller 'D's in the NHL."
Brannstrom models his game after countryman Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators, even though Karlsson is 2 inches taller. However, there are smaller defensemen who have thrived in the NHL, including Ryan Ellis (5-10, 180) of the Nashville Predators.
"I try to work a lot on angles," said Brannstrom, who added, "maybe in a couple years" he'll be ready for the NHL.
Brannstrom impressed during Vegas development camp and is playing for Sweden in the 2017 World Junior Summer Showcase, with games beginning in Plymouth, Michigan, on Saturday.
Brannstrom and fellow first-round picks centers Cody Glass (No. 6) and Nick Suzuki (No.13) each signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Golden Knights on July 15.

McPhee has been insistent Vegas won't rush any of its prospects; Brannstrom, who turns 18 on Sept. 2, is expected to return and play for his Swedish team next season.
"Cody, Nick and Erik have demonstrated exceptional skill and hockey sense playing at their current levels," McPhee said. "We will look for these players to continue to exhibit the hard work necessary to further their development and continue their positive career trajectories."