{"id":2323,"date":"2016-10-18T02:46:04","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T06:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=2323"},"modified":"2016-10-18T02:46:04","modified_gmt":"2016-10-18T06:46:04","slug":"meet-a-new-canuck-erik-gudbranson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2016\/10\/18\/meet-a-new-canuck-erik-gudbranson\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet a New Canuck: Erik Gudbranson"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to ‘Meet a New Canuck\u2019, the annual series that introduces you to the newest members of the Vancouver Canucks<\/strong>. Our newest entry is defenceman Erik Gudbranson<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Meet a New Canuck: Erik Gudbranson<\/a><\/strong><\/h1>\n

While the trade market was quiet for the Canucks this off-season, they did make one crucial move: acquiring Erik Gudbranson, a defender from the Florida Panthers<\/strong>. While they gave up a respectable package to acquire him (former first round pick Jared McCann<\/a><\/strong>, along with a second round pick, and other assorted selections going each way), he did fill the crucial void of a top-four defender, while also making the Canucks a far more difficult team to play against.<\/p>\n

One of the most evident weaknesses for the Canucks last season certainly came from their depth on the blue line. While injuries certainly played a factor, with both Dan Hamhuis<\/a><\/strong> and Alex Edler<\/a><\/strong> missing significant time, it certainly wasn’t anything to write home about, even when healthy. The top pair of Edler and Chris Tanev<\/a><\/strong> continued to be rock solid defensively, further proving themselves as a legitimate shutdown pairing. Though Edler’s offensive numbers, while not horrible, did leave some room for improvement, with a pace of just 31 points.<\/p>\n

Beyond those two, rookie Ben Hutton<\/a><\/strong> had a marvelous rookie year, rounding out the positives for 2015-16.\u00a0Hamhuis, now with the Dallas Stars<\/strong>, underwhelmed, Luca Sbisa<\/a><\/strong> reinforced the negative public opinion regarding his play, Yannick Weber<\/a><\/strong> took a massive step backwards from a ten goal season in 2014-15, and Matt Bartkowski<\/a><\/strong> proved to not be capable of serviceable NHL<\/strong> hockey. It was, to be frank, a travesty. And while Gubranson won’t fix all those issues, he will provide major improvement in a lot of areas.<\/p>\n

First of all, he will now provide the Canucks with some toughness on the back-end. This proves crucial in that it takes pressure off of Edler to be a physical presence, and allows the coaching staff to be a little more flexible in their usage of Sbisa on an every game basis. Additionally, should Gudbranson take on a physical shutdown role on the second pairing, Hutton will be given more freedom in regards to his offensive capabilities and could thrive in a role with emphasis on puck movement. He makes the Canucks a much more well-rounded hockey club, and will help remove the stigma around the team as it relates to being “soft”.<\/p>\n

Gudbranson, selected third overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft<\/strong>, has never quite lived up to his potential as a top-end defender, but has carved out a nice career thus far as a reliable top-four presence. He made his debut in the 2011-12 campaign, and has since appeared in 311 NHL contests. Hardly an offensive catalyst, the 24-year old has put up just 11 goals and 43 total point in that time, but has accumulated 346 penalty minutes. Gudbranson is thought of as a leader, and a character player who greatly benefits any locker room he steps into.<\/p>\n

In 2011, Gudbranson took home the silver medal as a member of Team Canada<\/strong>‘s World Junior Championship<\/strong> roster. He also won the gold medal in the 2009 Ivan Hlinka<\/a> Memorial Tournament<\/strong> as a member of the Canadian squad. Before his National Hockey League days, Gudbranson was a member of the American Hockey League<\/strong>‘s San Antonio Rampage<\/strong>, as well as the Ontario Hockey League<\/strong>‘s Kingston Frontenacs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Gudbranson could prove to be a core member of the Canucks going forward, and while some may justifiably criticize what it took to acquire him, there is no doubt he makes Vancouver a better hockey club. Will he ever become the elite blue liner he was projected as in his draft year? Probably not, but he could prove to be a valuable asset for the Canucks and their playoff chances in 2016-17.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n