GUDBRANSON TUNES OUT NOISE
Defenceman focuses on grit game
ST. PAUL, MINN. Welcome to Erik Gudbranson’s world.
On any given day, the heavily scrutinized Vancouver Canucks defenceman is either lauded for showing a recent offensive upside — an encouraging spurt of six points in five consecutive games — or he’s the subject of trade speculation because he’s supposedly at his productive peak and should be moved. Like now.
It’s why Gudbranson has learned to tune out all the noise.
“You know it’s happening — you always know it’s happening somewhere, whether you see it or you don’t,” he said of ongoing media scrutiny. “I definitely had an adjustment period, but now I just leave it alone.”
Gudbranson knew shoulder and wrist surgeries in the past two NHL seasons, coupled with some unremarkable play, were fodder for being treated like a pinata. Everybody took a swing. However, he also knew he didn’t want to test free agency last July.
A three-year, US$12-million extension in February was about franchise loyalty, unfinished business, a leadership role and being a mentor to prospects like Quinn Hughes and Olli Juolevi.
To get there, Gudbranson had to get his fitness and body main- tenance to another level in the off-season.
An improved stride that has allowed he 26-year-old Ottawa native to jump up in the play, while also maintaining a proper defensive posture, are the result of improving his strength, speed, flexibility and nutrition.
“I went back and trained with one of the best in the world in Matt Nichol,” Gudbranson said of the founder of Toronto-based BioSteel. “He taught me so much about maintaining my body, and little things — stuff I can do every day to feel good and avoid injury. That was a huge piece and we had a great summer. So far, so good.”
It’s a remarkable improvement. He has seven points (2-5) in his first 20 games and should easily eclipse a career-high 13 points (4-9) with the Florida Panthers in 2014-15. This season, he’s second on the team in hits and third in blocked shots, but also has a team-high 39 penalty minutes thanks to a more aggressive style of play.
On Tuesday, he went after Cal Clutterbuck in Brooklyn after the New York Islanders’ winger scored the final goal in a 5-2 triumph. Maybe it was payback for the hit that ended Brock Boeser’s season last March. Maybe it was just sending the right message about being engaged in a game until the end.
Gudbranson hurt his shoulder a year ago and missed a dozen games, but rehabilitation allowed him to eventually sport a brace. However, he was shut down in March and required surgery. And back in December of 2016, he required a procedure to mend ligament damage in his wrist.
“The wrist was tough. I remember the night I knew something was really wrong,” he said. “I couldn’t hold a coffee cup or make a tea after a game. I was like: ‘Guys, I don’t want to sound soft, but this isn’t supposed to be happening.’ But that’s all in the past.’ ”
The past included frank discussions with Travis Green. He said all the right things about wanting to stay, but the Canucks’ coach needed to see results.
“Give him credit,” said Green. “This is kind of how we envisioned him playing. He had some pressure and took some heat last year with how he played, and I don’t think he played his best. And we haven’t seen his best.
“I’ve talked to him ... and we both have the same idea in how he needs to play. He seems more confident with the puck, he’s getting up in the play more, and our style is more conducive to him as a big guy who can skate. It’s a mindset.”
Gudbranson is also a product of his hockey environment. In Florida, he was schooled by Ed Jovanovski, Willie Mitchell and Brian Campbell. Jovanovski brought out the passion in Gudbranson, while Mitchell taught the six-foot-five, 217-pound blue-liner the total team game. Campbell schooled him in the offensive upside.
“It was a no-brainer to be a fly on the wall and watch them on and off the ice,” said Gudbranson. “If I made a mistake, they always had an answer for me. And if I had a question, they always had the answer. And when I wasn’t feeling good about my game, they were the first to give me a swift kick in the butt and tell me to keep my head up.”
Gudbranson has never been a darling of the Corsi crowd. In puck-control ratings with Gudbranson on the ice, he ranks 19th on the club at 44.1. Above 50 obviously means the Canucks are controlling the play.
“Hockey is analyzed to death now,” said Gudbranson, “and a lot of it, for us, is your instincts and making that quick decision. ... It’s a beautiful game and I’m glad people are enjoying all the numbers, but I don’t get involved with it.”
He seems more confident with the puck, he’s getting up in the play more, and our style is more conducive to him as a big guy who can skate.