Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the club has signed defenceman Erik Gudbranson to a one-year contract extension that will carry a value of $3,500,000.

"Erik is a big, strong physical defender who I know feels has a lot to prove and has worked diligently in his injury rehab," said General Manager Jim Benning. "He has leadership qualities that will be important for our young team and we are excited to see him healthy and back on the blue line next season."

Gudbranson, who missed 52 games due to injury in 2016.17, recorded six points (1-5-6) and 18 penalty minutes in 30 games in his first season in Vancouver. The 6-5, 220-pound defenceman also ranked second on the team in hits per game with 2.2 and tied for third in blocked shots per game with 1.5.