Canucks Sign Defenseman Erik Gudbranson to Three-Year Extension

The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a three-year contract extension Tuesday. The deal will carry an average annual value of $4 million.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a three-year contract extension Tuesday.

The Canucks said the deal will carry an average annual value of $4 million.

''Erik is an important part of our team and provides a physical element to our blue line,'' GM Jim Benning said in a statement. ''His leadership qualities help us as we continue to integrate younger players in our lineup.

''He is a quality person, a great teammate, outstanding in the community and we are excited to have him as part of our team moving forward.''

The 26-year-old Gudbranson has two goals and two assists in 41 games this season. He has appeared in 380 games with Vancouver and Florida, with 14 goals and 39 assists.

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