While not as well-known as his countryman Timothy Liljegren, Erik Brännström has emerged as one of the top defensive prospects coming out of Europe this year. This HV71 defenseman has put on an impressive showing across the SuperElit, the SHL, and the U18s, and has been drawing enough interest from scouts that I could see him being taken as a late 1st round pick. Brännström led the entire SuperElit in P/GP as a U18 defenseman, scoring 9 goals and adding 14 assists in 19 games, following it up with a 3 goal, 4 assist performance in 7 games in the playoffs.
2017 NHL Draft Profile: Erik Brännström could provide the Red Wings with offensive flair on defense
