Vancouver Canucks: Extending Erik Gudbranson is the wrong move

Despite Erik Gudbranson’s name being floated around in trade rumours, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly having a change of heart and want to reach an extension with the big defenceman. That’s not the right move.

As the Feb. 26 trade deadline nears, the Vancouver Canucks are preparing to sell once again. At least, that’s what everybody was expecting.

Defenceman Erik Gudbranson and veteran winger Thomas Vanek are pending UFAs, and both have had their names brought up in trade rumours. Though it’s logical to believe the Canucks may want to extend Vanek (he’s on pace to reach the 20-goal and 50-point marks), the same couldn’t have been said about Gudbranson. Or so we thought.

Acquired in a trade from the Florida Panthers two years ago, ‘Guddy’ hasn’t lived up to expectations in Vancouver. But according to Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet, the Canucks are actually looking to extend Gudbranson now. TSN’s Bob McKenzie also confirmed that Vancouver is keen on working out a new contract with Gudbranson.

Here’s what general manager Jim Benning had to say on the matter (per MacInyre).

“He’s a physical, stay-at-home defenceman who helps us.We have other defencemen who are more puck-moving guys, but we don’t have anyone else with Gudbranson’s style of play.“I know he’s had some ups and downs, but until he got hurt he was playing well for us. As long as a player can play in today’s game, you’re always going to need a defencemen who can play physical, especially in our division. There’s always going to be room for a guy like that in your top six.”

We don’t exactly know what exactly caused the Canucks to change their minds on Gudbranson, given his struggles in 2017-18. But the logical guess is that there isn’t much of a market for the 6-foot-5 rearguard and/or Benning hasn’t received any offers that he’s satisfied with.

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Gudbranson doesn’t bring much offence. He only has three points in 32 games, and owns a woeful 43.0 Corsi For percentage. Take a look at more advanced statistics, and Gudbranson’s play would easily scare away rival GMs.

According to Corsica, Gudbranson’s Relative Corsi For Percentage is -7.62, and his Expected Goals Plus-Minus is a woeful -4.11. Finally, Gudbranson has a -0.34 expected goals differential per 60 minutes.

But with his big size and physical style of play, you’d have to think of a number of playoff contenders will come calling. Guys like Gudbranson are most productive during the more intense and grueling playoff games.

The Canucks already gave Gudbranson a “prove it” deal last year, and you have to hope that’s what they’re planning right now. Given his struggles in Vancouver thus far, Benning would be playing with fire if he gave Gudbranson a multi-year extension.

Olli Juolevi — the fifth-overall pick from the 2016 Entry Draft — could make the team next year. There is also a long list of quality defencemen in this year’s free agent class that Benning should target. Tobias Enstrom, Jack Johnson, Alexei Emelin, John Carlson, Calvin de Haan and Roman Polak seem like better and safer options, for example.

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The Canucks need to think twice about extending Gudbranson. He hasn’t delivered like a guy who should stay here long-term. If Juolevi surprises and makes the team next year, who’s spot is he taking? Even if the best offer at the deadline is a mid-round pick, then so be it. The Canucks should just trade Gudbranson and look to replace him in free agency.

*Stats courtesy of Hockey Reference unless otherwise noted*