How he got here: Gudbranson traveled widely before signing a four-year deal with Columbus in the summer of 2022. He has played for seven teams in his 11-year career, including six in four seasons. The burly defenseman from Kingston of the OHL, selected No. 3 overall in the 2010 draft, began his career with five seasons in Florida before playing in Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Ottawa, Nashville and Calgary. He has played 789 NHL games in his career, more than any other CBJ player on last season’s roster.
The 2023-24 season: Known for his physicality and size, Gudbranson was never mistaken for a Zach Werenski-style offensive player, but last season he developed into an offensive defenseman. The big defenseman wasn’t afraid to show off a huge shot, and his six goals were a career high, while his 26 points were nine more than he’d ever scored in a season. Gudbranson seemed much more comfortable in the second year of his contract with the Jackets, providing the team with consistent performances and experienced leadership from the defensive line while wearing an “A” for the team.
Top moment: Gudbranson scored a game-winning goal this season, breaking a 2-2 tie in the third period and giving the Blue Jackets an eventual 4-2 win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 2. The Bolts led 2-1 entering the third period before Boone Jenner tied it, and Gudbranson’s slap shot past Matt Tomkins with 10:36 left proved to be the winner for the Jackets.
