Dale Tallon's first pick to start the club's turn-around, Erik grew to embrace the leadership role for a franchise many considered a laughingstock.
There was little mystery involved in the 3rd overall pick at the 2010 NHL Draft. After the Tyler Seguin/Taylor Hall duo, the consensus was nearly unanimous that big defenseman Erik Gudbranson would go next. He was big and described like this at the time:
A large defenseman with good leadership skills. Has a great shot. Gives a good opening pass and works hard in all three zones.