From Africa to Vancouver: Erik Gudbranson ready to step up with Canucks
VANCOUVER — Erik Gudbranson went to Africa and wound up in Vancouver.
The bruising defenceman was on a trip in the spring that included stops in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe after his Florida Panthers were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Cell service was spotty at the best of times, and when Gudbranson reconnected one day in late May, he was stunned to learn he had been traded to the Canucks.
“It came as a shock,” said the 24-year-old. “It really came out of nowhere. It took a week or so (to sink in).