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Vancouver Canucks: 2016-17 Special Teams

By Connor Cullen

Apr 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Tryamkin (88) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Tryamkin (88) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rexall Place. Florida Panthers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rexall Place. Florida Panthers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Erik Gudbranson

The Vancouver Canucks made a trade early in the offseason that surprised a lot of people. They traded young, skilled centerman, Jared McCann and a high 2nd-round pick to Florida for big, hard-hitting D-man, Erik Gudbranson. Although it seemed like the Canucks overpaid at the time, again mortgaging the future (McCann was considered a steal by many when the Canucks picked him) to help fill a need. Subsequent deals, however, have shown how costly the market is for premium defensemen. In hindsight, Benning should be praised.

Gudbranson, a right-handed shooting, 6-foot-5, 216-pound defensive defenseman, will help the Canucks shore up their blue line. He plays a heavy game and uses his massive frame to his advantage. There’s been chatter that Gudbranson might have some untapped offensive potential but it’s uncertain whether it could ever be tapped into since after 309 NHL games, he’s only amassed 11 G and 32 A.

Can’t blame being on a bad team (at least, not the last few seasons) and not having enough ice time (his average has been increasing since his rookie year — 20:07 last season). He’ll be in the second pairing this season with Ben Hutton, so his ice time might increase even more.

The 24-year old doesn’t offer the team much in the way of powerplay assistance, unless his big shot can utilized on the second unit. His real value will come to light on the penalty kill and in crucial moments in the defensive zone. Gudbranson can clear traffic from the front of the net, he hits a ton, and he blocks a considerable amount of shots. The Canucks expect shut-down play from Gudbranson and that’s what they should get as Gudbranson matures (he’s still young at 24, despite the “young veteran” aura he has about him).

Like Larsen, Gudbranson will have the spotlight focused on him in the early going, maybe even the whole season, to see if the McCann trade really was worth it all in the end.

Conclusion: although we’ll have to wait and see what McCann becomes, for now I’ll give this one ADVANTAGE CANUCKS

Next: The Dearly Departed: Gulutzan, McCann, Weber

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