🏒 Erik Gudbranson D

Erik Gudbranson's 2024-25 campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets was significantly impacted by a season-altering shoulder injury suffered in the home opener against the Florida Panthers. The veteran defenseman and alternate captain managed to appear in just 16 games, recording 4 assists and maintaining a +1 rating before requiring surgery.

The 33-year-old blueliner averaged 17:46 of ice time per game across his limited appearances, typically deployed in a shutdown role. The shoulder injury, which required surgery in Vail, Colorado on October 21, 2024, forced Gudbranson to miss 66 games before his return to the lineup in March 2025. This extended absence significantly impacted the Blue Jackets' defensive corps, removing a veteran presence from their blueline rotation during a crucial portion of the season.

Prior to the injury, Gudbranson was continuing his role as an alternate captain, a leadership position he assumed at the start of the 2023-24 season. His physical presence and experience were particularly valuable for Columbus's younger defensemen, though his limited appearances restricted his impact in this regard. The veteran defenseman's return in March provided a boost to the Blue Jackets' defensive depth, though the extended absence limited his overall impact on the 2024-25 season.

From an analytical perspective, Gudbranson's defensive metrics showed some vulnerability. His defensive metrics during his healthy stretch revealed some concerning trends, particularly in high-danger situations. Over 15 analyzed games, Gudbranson posted a 39.6% High-Danger Corsi For percentage, with opponents generating 30.9 high-danger chances per 60 minutes during his shifts – notably higher than the team average, with a threat ratio of 0.387 and a negative high-danger chance differential of -46 across his appearances. His low-danger shot suppression was more effective, allowing 185 attempts against versus 167 for, suggesting better containment in less dangerous areas of the ice.

With one more year remaining on his contract through 2025-26, Gudbranson's veteran presence remains an important element for a Blue Jackets team continuing to develop its younger talent.

Key Takeaway: While Gudbranson's leadership and experience remain valuable assets for Columbus, his 2024-25 season was essentially lost to injury, with his limited statistical sample showing some concerning defensive trends that will need to be addressed in 2025-26.