Brendan Gaunce, C
Shoots: R	Height: 6-2	Weight: 212
Born: 1994-03-25	Hometown: Markham, Ontario	Drafted: 2012 by Vancouver Canucks, 26th Overall

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

February 2018 – Gaunce has continued to find a role on the Canucks, albeit a small one. The former first round selection has been a staple on the team’s fourth line for much of the season and is slowly starting to show some of the offensive acumen that landed him the lofty draft slot. After going 95 games without a goal, the power foward has recorded four goals and five points in 34 contests while seeing around 13 minutes of ice per night. He will likely never been a relevant fantasy asset.  Cam Robinson

June 2017 – The 2012 first-round selection had a challenging season offensively, failing to record a goal in 57 NHL contests. Gaunce looked strong in a defensive assignment, anchoring the fourth line on a Canucks’ team that was often buried in the shot generation metrics. The 6’2″ centre is a RFA and is a potential target for the expansion Vegas Golden Knights if left unprotected for the Canucks. Cam Robinson

October 2016 – Gaunce had a fantastic training camp and pre-season for the Canucks. He aced his physical testing, displayed his versatility by playing wing and center, showed well on special teams and chipped in on the scoresheet. His efforts were rewarded with a spot on the opening-day lineup. The former first-round selection will look to build off this nice start and contribute in all areas of the ice for a somewhat weak Vancouver forward corps. He has the ability to become a reliable middle-six forward. Cam Robinson

 

August 2016 – Gaunce took major strides in his development last season. The former first round selection returned for his second professional season with more urgency to his game. Utica coach, Travis Green, shifted him to the wing in order to inject some more speed to his game and the results were evident as he scored 17 goals and 38 points in 47 AHL contests. Gaunce also saw 20 games with the big club recording one goal but displaying strong defensive skills at both center and wing. Gaunce will be fighting for a spot among Vancouver’s bottom six forwards in camp this fall and has a good chance to earn a full-time position – Cam Robinson

 

January 2016 – Gaunce has continued his strong performance in the American Hockey League, producing four goals and 10 points with a plus-5 rating and 4 PIM over 13 games since December 9th. This puts him at a 0.75 point-per-game average for the season- a number I’m sure the Canucks organization is happy with for a 21-year-old in his second pro campaign. What is also remarkable is Gaunce’s sharpening skillset in his own zone, and he continues to be an asset at both ends of the rink. With his growing aptitude for the pro game and confidence, Brendan is very likely to get another call-up to the big club during this season, and will get an extended look during training camp for 2016-2017. ~ David McDonald

 

November 2015 – He did not score in his NHL debut, but he did score in his second crack at it, collecting his first career NHL goal before being returned to Utica of the AHL. In four games since, Gaunce has scored two goals and two assists; apparently benefiting from the confidence boost of his NHL experience (one goal, one assist in five games played prior). Gaunce will try to stay hot and be Vancouver’s next in line for a call of duty. Mike Barrett

 

October 2015 – Shortly upon being recalled, Head Coach Willie Desjardins indicated early on Thursday(29th) that Gaunce would be making his NHL debut that night. He should skate on the fourth line left-wing next to Jared McCann and Derek Dorsett while replacing injured Brandon Prust who was hurt in a game against his former team the Montreal Canadiens earlier in the week. Mike Barrett

 

February 2014 – Gaunce has really flourished since being traded to the Erie Otters midseason. He has 31 points in 28 games since while playing against the top competition the OHL has to offer and maintains the best plus-minus-per-game among Erie forwards since the trade. The two way forward has proven that he will excel against OHL competition, now his focus will be ending his Junior career with a championship and moving to the professional leagues next season. Austin Wallace

 

November 2013 – Brendan Gaunce of the Belleville Bulls was named to the OHL roster for the 2013 SUBWAY Super Series. Gaunce’s eight goals and 18 points through 15 games leads the Bulls in scoring. Brendan Ross

 

June 2013 – Gaunce finished spot on a point-per-game pace notching 60 points in 60 OHL games in 2012-13, setting a new career high in goals with 33. Looking forward, Gaunce projects as a strong third line centre with upside of a second line forward but his full value likely won’t be in pure offensive output. Brendan Ross

 

October 2012 – Brendan Gaunce was named to the 2012 Subway Super Series Team OHL Roster slated to compete in a six-game series versus the Russian National Junior Team.  Gaunce will miss the event due to his recent shoulder injury. Brendan Ross

 

October 2012 – Brendan Gaunce will miss 3-6 weeks with a shoulder injury as of October 23rd. The Belleville Bulls pivot has four goals and nine points on the season (11 games). Brendan Ross

 

June 2012 – Vancouver adds a versatile, high character player in Brendan Gaunce with their first round pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

 

March 2012 – Brendan Gaunce is the complete package on the ice – a style of play which must run in the Gaunce family. Brendan’s brother Cameron is currently showing off his two-way, hard-nosed game for the Colorado Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. Playing for the Belleville Bulls in the OHL in 2011-12, Brendan is scoring at nearly a point per game pace but he has been quite streaky. Brendan Ross

 

 

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Bottom six forward who contributes modest point totals

 

 

Footage:

Brendan Gaunce dropping the gloves for a tilt with Boone Jenner:

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