The NHL preseason is almost here and teams around the league are just hoping to have their entire roster healthy enough to suit up. The Vancouver Canucks aren’t going to have to worry about Erik Gudbranson, as Rick Dhaliwal of Sportsnet reports that the big defenseman has experienced no setbacks from his shoulder surgery and should be ready for the start of the season. Gudbranson injured his shoulder in November of last year but wasn’t shut down for surgery until mid-March.
The 26-year old Gudbranson has played just 82 games total in the two seasons since joining the Canucks, limited by injuries on a near daily basis. Originally selected third overall by the Florida Panthers, there are many who have pointed to his poor possession statistics as reason to believe that Gudbranson can’t be an effective top-four option in the NHL. Vancouver GM Jim Benning clearly disagrees, signing the 6’5″ 220-lbs defenseman to a three-year $12MM extension in February. Though Gudbranson doesn’t put up points, he is a feared opponent in his own end willing to engage physically and able to clear the front of the net. At his best, he’s a weapon on the penalty kill and can balance out a pairing playing against a more offensively-minded defenseman.
Unfortunately the Canucks haven’t seen much of him at full strength, something they hope to experience this season as they look to compete with a younger core. Vancouver has moved on from franchise icons in Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and are now placing the offensive burden on players like Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser. Gudbranson and other veteran additions like Antoine Roussel, Tim Schaller and Jay Beagle will be tasked with keeping the puck out of the Vancouver net and any attackers off the young player’s backs.
Thank the heavens. Canucks need D to stay healthy for one season please