Defenceman Erik Gudbranson has made a decision, as the Calgary Flames announced a one-year deal for the veteran defenceman today. Chris Johnston reports the deal is worth $1.95 million.
$1.95M https://t.co/206bO1TMnT
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 10, 2021
Erik Gudbranson Signs With Yet Another Team
This is the first time Erik Gudbranson’s been able to choose his destination as an unrestricted free agent. He’s played for five different teams over the past three seasons, at every stop a flashpoint for his team’s fans. He’s been just useful enough to be sought out by the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, and Nashville Predators. Though in a couple of those cases it was his contract that decided the move, not the player.
The third overall pick in 2010, Gudbranson has been valued for his physical play and in-the-room leadership. Unfortunately, his on-ice game hasn’t been able to match either his draft position or his potential. He has a decent shot from the point, for instance, but has difficulty getting into a position to use it. Injuries and illness have kept him from playing full seasons, exacerbated by his use as a net-clearer.
He is a frustrating player to watch if you expect that first-rounder to show up. Give up on that, though, and he can be serviceable as a bottom-pair defender. That is – hopefully – what Calgary is expecting, especially for almost $2 million.
What This Means
Erik Gudbranson’s Ottawa tenure only lasted 36 games, but he played 30 minutes or more with six different partners. In nine Nashville games, he split time on three different pairings and took part in just two playoff games. If fans of Calgary are looking for positives, maybe it will come with stability. He’s well beyond any coach hoping for a stud defenceman, so he shouldn’t be put in circumstances beyond his abilities.
Reduced expectations will ease those flashpoint fans’ anger at his signing. But really the only thing that can stop the criticism is his play. He has another chance now.
Another Signing For The Flames
In addition to the Erik Gudbrandson signing, the Flames also brought back defenceman Michael Stone on a one-year contract worth $750,000. The veteran blue-liner is yet another piece of the puzzle for Calgary’s defensive core.
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