Gudbranson, who was the third overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, conveyed his excitement of coming back home to Ottawa and being a part of the Sens moving forward.
On getting to represent his hometown team in the NHL
It's going to be very exciting. It's one of those things that you think maybe this can happen and how cool it would be after playing in different cities and actually coming back home and getting that opportunity. It happened so quickly. It came right out of left field for me but I couldn't be more ecstatic and more excited to come back home and play.
On how much the trade caught him off guard
I literally woke up yesterday morning and was making breakfast and had just finished a workout and got a call from my agent. He suggested the idea and pretty much told me that it was a 50/50 chance. I wasn't expecting that phone call. Everything happened very quickly so it's definitely been a surprise but a very good one.
On having a fresh start with Ottawa and their willingness to acquire him
It's always nice when somebody calls for you and there's interest for you. I definitely don't take that for granted. You work hard to keep those opportunities available for you. The last two years have been quite busy for my wife and I. Probably busier on my wife than myself but it's so exciting to come back home. This is familiar ground and seems a little bit different than going from east coast to west coast. It's coming back to a place I know extremely well and there's so many helping hands to welcome us with open arms.
On the role he can play
Going into my 10th season, I've had an interesting career. I've had my very good moments and my very bad moments. There's been ups and downs. There's been injuries sprinkled in. I've been in the playoffs a few times. I think whatever experience that brings to this group is what I'm going to try and bring. I'm going to bring myself to the equation. I think my game is getting a lot better now. I'm getting back to how I felt in my Florida days. The Anaheim Ducks gave me a lot of trust and opportunity to get my game back to where it needed to be and I felt I took those big strides. It's certainly not a done deal but I'm very excited to come back and keep putting in the work and get better. This Covid break for myself, and with the number of surgeries I've had, has allowed my body to heal up a little bit. I feel great and I haven't said that for years so I'm excited to come back healthy.
On being a mentor to the Senators young blue line
I still have a lot to learn in this league but I've certainly had the ups and downs and ebbs and flows a little bit more consistently than they have. So, I think from that standpoint, I can help out and lend a helping hand. I'm excited to work with all those guys. They move the puck extremely well, they skate extremely well. I'm excited to learn from them. They're quality, quality players and will be very good for years to come. It goes both ways. I'm coming here to learn from them as well.
