While his NHL dream remains on hold, Panthers prospect Erik Gudbranson gives Team Canada a boost.
Hockey Canada adopted an interesting approach when naming the 39 players that will vie for a spot on this year's national world junior team roster.
Head scout Kevin Prendergast acknowledged a lack of star power without the likes of former junior stars turned pro, such as Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin and Jeff Skinner. While this year's team is noticeably absent of its highest-end players, the notion that it is completely devoid of stars doesn't do it any justice.
Fans looking for Hall's flash and dash or the mesmerizing, pin-point accuracy of Skinner should tune in to watch the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes games. Unless by some miracle, neither player will be wearing the Maple Leaf in Buffalo any time soon.
But if this year's team is without a star going in, that huge, gaping door presents an interesting opportunity for one to come out.
Erik Gudbranson is packing his lunch pail and hard hat for Hockey Canada's selection camp. He's hoping to turn them in by tournament's end for a brightly-lit star, and a gold medal.
"A lot of people made their name in this tournament," Gudbranson said. "If I make the team, I'm definitely going to strive to (become a star)."
Ironically, Gudbranson was a near-miss for Hockey Canada brass. The third-overall pick from last years draft essentially made the Florida Panthers out of training camp, but couldn't come to terms on a contract. Had that been the case, Gudbranson would be another in the long list of absent stars.
Many raised an eyebrow at the decision to trade in the glitz and glamour of chartered flights and a pampered lifestyle for life on the bus and billet families.
"That's a tough question because you got to think about the business side of things," he said. "You have to look at your future. They're not one-year deals and the opportunity was there, but there's also track records you have to look at. We just both couldn't agree."
Gudbranson's camp felt the Panthers were low-balling their newest prized asset. Ask any agent and they will tell you the first contract a player signs affects each subsequent contract after that.
The botched deal was disappointing for Gudbranson, who had clearly earned his keep. It also closed the door, albeit temporarily, on a goal he had otherwise reached. He lived up to his own expectations, even if it meant he would spend more time in junior.
Shortly after the Frontenacs drafted him fourth overall in the 2008 priority selection, Gudbranson made a bold prediction to Kingston general manager Larry Mavety. Without having ever suited up for an OHL game, Gudbranson told his newest boss not to count on him being back for a third season. "I'm going to do everything possible to be here as short as possible, he told him."
The longtime general manager of the Frontenacs now laughs looking back on his young prodigy's declaration.
"I guess you look at it that he's got confidence," Mavety said. "That was his dream and I guess you could say he probably would have been (in the NHL) this year."
"It was one of my big goals and I felt like I achieved it, but unfortunately the business side got in the way," Gudbranson said. "Yes, it is disappointing because the NHL is the NHL. It's at the top of my dreams."
Gudbranson didn't let that disappointment keep him down for long. The delay of one dream meant he had the opportunity to live out another. Like most hockey players growing up in Canada, Gudbranson maintains fond memories of watching the world junior tournament and aspires to win a gold medal for his country.
As much as he wanted to be in the NHL this season, he recognizes that dream could have crushed his world junior dreams.
In effect, Gudbranson realizes he couldn't have his cake and eat it too.
"I would have been disappointed," Gudbranson said when asked if his NHL dream meant he couldn't play in the world juniors. "In terms of Canadians, the world junior tournament is almost more important than Christmas."
It's easy to forget Gudbranson could have been yet another missing link for the Canadian contingent. His confidence and composure are two reasons he has been able to achieve many of his dreams.
Gudbranson isn't the flashy, offensive forward that characteristically receives the bulk of media clippings. His game lends itself perfectly to any style head coach Dave Cameron would like to utilize.
"He just gets better the better the competition," Mavety said. "In a short-term tournament like that, I think he'll do extremely well."
In a year when so many junior-aged NHL players are unlikely to represent Canada, Gudbranson represents the next big prospect brimming with star potential.
