Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom was “shocked” when head coach Jacques Martin told him he would play offense against the Buffalo Sabres.
Brannstrom had no idea what awaited him with Thomas Chabot's return to the lineup. Martin decided to be creative with a lineup of seven defensemen. Brannstrom had never been offensive.
“It was a bit of a shock for him when I told him [dimanche matin]“, explains Martin, who holds the position on an interim basis. But I felt like he could help our team.”
Good soldier
The Senators pilot had good words for Brannstrom. The latter was used as a left winger. The Swede received an assist in his team's 5-1 win. The 24-year-old spent just over 15 minutes on the ice.
According to the head coach, Brannstrom's versatility can help him in the long run.
“He’s an excellent skater,” Martin said. He has great skills even if he has never played offensively […]. I think he did a great job and his team scored two goals. Like I told him, it doesn't last. It’s an experience.”
“He's been a really good soldier for this organization and I know he cares a lot and has some skills. I said we should try it and I think it was a positive experience.”
Jacques Martin on Erik Brännström as a striker tonight pic.twitter.com/twMYv9Ddr3
– Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 1, 2024
“He is a very good soldier for our team,” he added. He cares about the team and has talent. I decided to give it a try and I think the experience was positive. How long it will take ? We will see.”
The main character said he enjoyed the experience.
“It was different,” Brannstrom concluded. I did my best and it was fun […]. We had a long conversation [dimanche matin]. I played in a way that made it comfortable.”
“You want to play hard every night and give it everything you can. Kasty and [MacEwen] helped me a lot this evening too. Overall a great game and a nice win.
Erik Brännström on his contribution to the result this evening pic.twitter.com/eLpFQLY9wW
– Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 1, 2024
In 27 games this season, Brannstrom has two goals and nine points.