An extension between the Vancouver Canucks and Erik Gudbranson remains on track, according to Bob McKenzie
The Vancouver Canucks are currently rebuilding. They’re looking to rebuild their team through the draft. And with the futures of Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin up in the air, Vancouver could look to free agency as well. However, according to Bob McKenzie, the Canucks are starting with one of their own.
Vancouver has been trying to get an extension done with defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who will be a free agent after this season. McKenzie is reporting this extension appears to be very close to getting done.
UPDATE (12:40 p.m. ET): The Canucks have signed Gudbranson to a three-year deal worth $4 million annually.
.@Guddy44 is back for three more years! https://t.co/Us8UqvqmZQ
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 20, 2018
The #Canucks have signed defenceman Erik Gudbranson to a 3-year contract extension with an AAV of $4 million #NHL
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) February 20, 2018
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Gudbranson has been a third-pairing defenseman for the Canucks. He’s also been one of their most used penalty killers. An extension likely isn’t good because what Gudbranson does could be had for cheaper.
For a team like the Canucks, maybe overpaying him isn’t the worst thing in the world. Especially since Vancouver shouldn’t have to worry too much about the salary cap ceiling for the next few seasons. However, this should be a huge red flag for Canucks fans.
First of all, Gudbranson is not someone worth committing to. He can be fairly easily replaced. It would be more beneficial to Vancouver to let young defensemen get playing time over Gudbranson.
However, the more concerning thing is that the Canucks appear to value what he brings to the table. And that Vancouver doesn’t have any defensemen in their system who they’re confident can replace Gudbranson. Considering how bad he has been this season, that’s alarming.
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The Canucks need to be getting younger, not older. At 26 years old, Gudbranson is who he is. He’s not going to significantly improve, most likely. Gudbranson doesn’t appear to have what it takes to be a late bloomer, either. While an extension likely won’t kill Vancouver, it does raise quite a few red flags.
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