Thanks to our old reliable source Elite Prospects, we know that Brannstrom was born on September 2, 1999 in Eksjo, Sweden. While he is certainly not the largest defenseman available in the draft at 5’10” and 175 pounds, he is a left handed, left shooting player which fills one of, if not the largest need in New Jersey’s system.
Erik has spent his entire career so far in the HV-71 system, starting with their U16 team and progressing to their J18 and J20 teams before joining HV-71’s pro roster this past season. While 1 goal and 5 assists in 35 games with HV-71 are not eye-popping numbers, bear in mind that he was a 17 year old (who still has some growing to do) playing in a men’s league.