In an effort to snap a nine-game losing streak, the Ottawa Senators will insert top prospect Erik Brannstrom into the lineup for the first time this season when they face the Montreal Canadiens Thursday.
Veteran Braydon Coburn has been assigned to the taxi squad after clearing waivers.
Brannstrom, 21, was the key piece in the trade that sent Mark Stone to the Vegas Golden Knights. He had four assists in 31 games at the NHL level and 23 points in 27 AHL games last season.
He also had eight points in 10 games with the Langnau Tigers in Switzerland’s top division before the NHL season resumed in January.
Since beating the Maple Leafs in the season opener, the Senators have struggled to find any traction in the North Division. Their 1-8-1 record this season has them last in the division and their 48 goals against are the most allowed by any team this season.
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