Erik Gudbranson was the top rated North American defenseman and can be considered an offensive defenseman that the Panthers have been missing since they dealt Jay Bowmeester a few years ago.
2010 NHL Draft 3rd Pick: Florida Panthers Select Erik Gudbranson
Gudbranson had a light season last season playing only 41 of 63 games due to a case of mono, but the potential is there for a great player. From our Minnesota Wild site, Hockey Wilderness:
As complete a player available in the draft, Erik Gudbranson has size, hands, skating ability, can move the puck, can play physical, block shots, get in the passing and shooting lanes and drop the gloves if necessary. He would only need a partial season in the AHL coming out of camp just to ensure that he’s up to speed after missing part of last season with mono. Seriously, he’s a Calder candidate who is a franchise top pairing defenseman.
For more on this pick, please visit our Florida Panthers site Litter Box Cats
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