AHL Grads Making A Difference In NHL © Bob Frid-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4f757506-0ce4-4542-adbd-f7db29150ecc.jpeg] © Bob Frid-Imagn Images The New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres completed an AHL-level trade, with the Rangers sending defenseman Erik Brannstrom to the Sabres for forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel. Brannstrom has split time between the NHL and AHL this season, notching three goals and eight points in 28 games with the Vancouver Canucks. He has split his AHL time between the Abbotsford Canucks and Hartford Wolf Pack, recording three goals and 13 assists in 14 total AHL games. The 25-year-old has proven to be a dominant offensive defenseman in the AHL who can't quite replicate the production in the NHL. A first round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, this is the third trade Brannstrom has been a part of this season after being dealt from Colorado to Vancouver in October and from Vancouver to New York in the J.T. Miller deal in January. Aube-Kubel picked up one goal and one assist in 19 games with the Sabres while averaging 9:32 per game this season. The 28-year-old has been playing with the Rochester Americans since late January, recording four goals and eight points in 12 games. He was a Stanley Cup champion in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche. With this move the league-leading Americans add some offense from the back-end, which should help their power play. The Wolf Pack appear set to miss the playoffs but add some veteran, winning experience. Both Brannstrom and Aube-Kubel could serviceably play NHL games for their new team in a pinch if needed. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl/] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
