NHL Prospect Profile: Erik Gudbranson

Erik Gudbranson (D) – Kingston Frontenacs
Hometown – Orleans, ON
D.O.B. – Jan. 7, 1992
Weight – 201
Height – 6.03 
Shoots – R
NHL Central Scouting Rank – 4

Selected in the 1st round, 4th overall in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection, Erik Gudbranson recorded 23 points in 41 games for the Kingston Frontenacs this season.  His play was limited this season due to injury, yet Gudbranson still captured the prestigious Bobby Smith Trophy as the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year.  Gudbranson was also voted by Eastern Conference Coaches as having the Hardest Shot in the Eastern Conference.  

Gudbranson was selected to compete in the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, and participated in the 2009 SUBWAY Super Series.  This season he also captained Canada’s Under-18 Team at the 2010 World Under-18 Hockey Championships in Belarus.  

Internationally, Gudbranson also competed at the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament finishing first, the 2009 World Under-18 Championships, and won gold as captain of Team Ontario at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. 

“Gudbranson to me is a guaranteed long-term NHLer," Director of NHL Central Scouting E.J McGuire told nhl.com.  "In my opinion, Gudbranson is another Chris Pronger-type, what he brings that (Pronger) really didn’t do much of, though, is he’ll fight. He is some kind of tough. Chris Pronger is mean and will hit you; Gudbranson will hit you and fight you. Pronger is three inches taller than Gudbranson, so maybe Dion Phaneuf would be an even better comparison"

Click here to learn more about Erik Gudbranson on his NHL prospect profile card.

The 2010 NHL Entry Draft takes place June 25-26 at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California.