"Erik is a big, strong physical defender who I know feels has a lot to prove and has worked diligently in his injury rehab," said General Manager Jim Benning. "He has leadership qualities that will be important for our young team and we are excited to see him healthy and back on the blue line next season."
Gudbranson, who missed 52 games due to injury in 2016.17, recorded six points (1-5-6) and 18 penalty minutes in 30 games in his first season in Vancouver. The 6-5, 220-pound defenceman also ranked second on the team in hits per game with 2.2 and tied for third in blocked shots per game with 1.5.
In 339 career NHL games over six seasons split between Vancouver and Florida, the 25-year-old has collected 49 points (12-37-49) along with 364 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.
