The Golden Knights’ defense appears to be set.
Coach Gerard Gallant said Thursday that top defenseman prospect Erik Brannstrom was assigned to the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves, leaving the team with eight defensemen eligible to start the regular season. General manager George McPhee said Monday the Knights planned to keep eight, so 24-year-old Jake Bischoff is in line to make the roster.
“He’s been really steady and solid,” Gallant said of Bischoff. “He’s done a great job.”
Brannstrom, 19, opened eyes in training camp and the preseason with his flashy offensive skills, but he still has plenty of room to grow defensively.