‘Yotes Notes: Free Agency

Defenseman Erik Gudbranson

At 6’5 220 lbs, Erik Gudbranson is a hulking defenseman that hits, blocks shots, and would pair nicely with Victor Söderström, or J.J. Moser. Since being drafted by the Florida Panthers with the 3rd overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Gudbranson has failed to live up to the expectations that typically come with a player drafted that high (think of Chris Phillips of the Ottawa Senators).

Gudbranson has moved around a bit during his career spending time with Florida, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Ottawa, Nashville, and Calgary. There is a reason that the 30 year old defensemen continues to find work though. He is nasty and brings a mean edge to his team.

The Coyotes are currently stock piling offensive talent and if all goes well, they should be set up front in the next few seasons. Their backend has Jakob Chychrun (who will find his game again and rejoin the elite category again), and puck moving defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. The team has always been built from the net out, typical of a team that is trying to win games “the hard way”. If the Coyotes were to sign Gudbranson, he would fit right in as a player who would help minimize opponent’s shots on net (last season Gudbranson blocked 92 shots), and wear out opposing teams with his physicality (145 hits last season). He could also contribute offensively as he scored 6 goals last season.

If the team decided to sign Gudbranson, the projected defensive pairings would look like this

Jakob Chychrun -Dysin Mayo

Shayne Gostisbehere- J.J. Moser

Victor Söderström -Erik Gudbranson

Vladislav Kolyachonok

Conor Timmins