"Erik is an important part of our team and provides a physical element to our blueline," said Benning. "His leadership qualities help us as we continue to integrate younger players in our lineup. He is a quality person, a great teammate, outstanding in the community and we are excited to have him as part of our team moving forward."
Gudbranson, 26, has recorded two goals and two assists in 41 games with the Canucks this season. His 99 hits rank third on the team while his 64 blocked shots rank fourth. In 2016.17, the 6-2, 220-pound defenceman recorded six points (1-5-6) and 18 penalty minutes in 30 games in his first season in Vancouver.
In 380 career NHL games over seven seasons split between Vancouver and Florida, Gudbranson has collected 53 points (14-39-53) along with 397 penalty minutes. In addition, he has skated in 13 career NHL playoff games.
A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Gudbranson was acquired from Florida along with a 2016 fifth round selection in exchange for Jared McCann and 2016 second and fourth round selections on May 25, 2016. He was originally selected by Florida in the first round, third overall, at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
