Brendan Gaunce re-signs with the Vancouver Canucks

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      The Vancouver Canucks inked Gaunce to a two year, $1.5-million deal on Wednesday, leaving Bo Horvat as the lone remaining restricted free agent left to sign for the team. 

      The money and term aren't surprising, and both are wins for the team. Gaunce gets close to the league minimum in terms of dollars and the Canucks get a two year look at exactly what they have here in the 23-year-old Gaunce who has more than proved his worth with AHL Utica, putting up 38 points in 46 games during 2015-16 and another three points in four contests last season. 

      Those numbers made a one-way deal a reality, as it's clear Gaunce's camp wasn't about to accept a contract that would see the forward back down in the minors without having to go through waivers. 

      But, of course, there are some who doubt whether Gaunce can be an effective day-in, day-out NHLer. His basic stat line does little to inspire confidence, as the former first round pick (2012 draft) put up five assists in 57 games. Overall, he's scored one goal in 77 games wearing the Orca.

      Don't count the Straight among the detractors. First, the fact that he succeeded under new Canucks coach Travis Green in Utica is a good sign, as the organization clearly has confidence in him. As well, his first-round pedigree and the fact that he led Canucks forwards in hits despite only playing 57 games bodes well.

      Mostly, however, his strong underlying stats present the best cause to be excited about his future as a bottom-six contributor to the Canucks. With a positive even strength Corsi (50.8) last season, along with a low PDO (an advanced stat that attempts to measure luck), Gaunce was productive in his less-than-10 minutes per game on the ice. The numbers are especially impressive considering he started 57.8 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone. In fact, Gaunce's aforementioned Corsi was the second-highest such rating among Canucks players that suited up for more than 50 games, behind only Markus Granlund. 

      It'll be interesting to see how Gaunce does the next two years. The call from this corner is that he'll surprise Canucks fans and be a steady, consistent figure in the team's lineup.

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