Brendan Gaunce Bio
Brendan Gaunce is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 25, 1994, in Sudbury, Ontario, Gaunce was selected 26th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. He has represented Canada internationally, winning gold at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and bronze at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Early Life and Background
Brendan Gaunce was born to Stephen and Julie Gaunce in Sudbury, Ontario, and grew up in Markham, Ontario. He has two siblings, including an older brother, Cameron, who was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche and plays in the American Hockey League. Brendan attended Markham District High School, where he played hockey and earned recognition on the Toronto Star High School Hockey All-Star First Team despite spending much of the season on defense. He also captained the Markham Waxers Minor Midget team, showcasing his scoring ability with 55 goals and 148 points in 86 games during the 2009–10 season.
Path to Hockey
Gaunce was the highest scoring minor midget player in Ontario in 2010 and was selected second overall in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Draft by the Belleville Bulls. He made his major junior debut in the 2010–11 OHL season, quickly making an impact with multiple four-point games and finishing 13th in OHL rookie scoring. In his second season, he was named an alternate captain for the Bulls and earned the OHL Player of the Week award after a strong scoring stretch. Before the 2012 NHL Draft, Gaunce was ranked 13th among North American skaters and was the top-ranked Canadian forward. He was traded to the Erie Otters in 2013, continuing his development in junior hockey.
Brendan Gaunce Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Gaunce began his professional career in the 2014–15 season with the Utica Comets, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. After a late cut from the Canucks’ 2015 training camp, he was reassigned to Utica but was recalled to the NHL on October 28, 2015. He made his NHL debut the following day against the Dallas Stars and scored his first NHL goal on October 30, 2015, against the Arizona Coyotes. He split time between the Canucks and Comets during this period, gaining valuable experience at both levels.
Vancouver Canucks Breakthrough (2016–2019)
At the start of the 2016–17 season, Gaunce made the Canucks’ NHL roster out of training camp for the first time. He recorded his first NHL assist in October 2016 and signed a two-year contract extension with Vancouver in August 2017. Despite suffering a foot injury in February 2017, Gaunce continued to develop his game over five seasons with the Canucks organization. He left Vancouver as a free agent in 2019 after not receiving a qualifying offer.
Boston Bruins and European Play (2019–2021)
Gaunce signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins in July 2019. During the 2019–20 season, he played primarily with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, recording 18 goals and 19 assists in 52 games. In January 2021, Gaunce signed with the Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League, where he adapted quickly to European ice and contributed to the team’s SHL Championship victory.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2021–Present)
Returning to North America, Gaunce signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2021. He secured a two-year extension in June 2022, continuing to contribute to the team. In 2024, Gaunce signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild but was traded back to Columbus after one year, demonstrating his ongoing value in the NHL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Brendan Gaunce is known for his versatility as a forward, combining size and skill to contribute both offensively and defensively. His ability to adapt to different leagues and roles highlights his hockey sense and work ethic. Gaunce’s experience with multiple teams and international play has helped refine his strategic approach and on-ice awareness.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gaunce’s NHL debut and first goal in 2015 marked key milestones early in his career. His contribution to the Växjö Lakers’ SHL Championship in 2021 stands out as a significant achievement during his European tenure. Throughout his career, Gaunce has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, returning to the NHL and securing contracts with multiple teams.
Brendan Gaunce Career Wins
Brendan Gaunce has accumulated valuable experience and success across various leagues, including the NHL, AHL, and SHL. While not primarily known for high scoring totals, his contributions have been important in team contexts, including playoff runs and championship victories.
Professional Highlights
Gaunce scored his first NHL goal shortly after his debut with the Vancouver Canucks in 2015. He played multiple seasons in the AHL with solid offensive production, notably with the Providence Bruins. His time with the Växjö Lakers culminated in an SHL Championship, underscoring his impact at the professional level internationally.
Other Wins and Performances
Internationally, Gaunce earned gold at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and bronze at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships representing Canada. These accomplishments highlight his early promise and success on the world stage.
Brendan Gaunce Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Brendan Gaunce comes from a hockey-oriented family. His older brother, Cameron Gaunce, was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche and has played professionally in the American Hockey League. This family connection to professional hockey has been influential in Brendan’s development and career path.
Personal Life
Details about Brendan Gaunce’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. He maintains a professional focus on his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Brendan Gaunce is expected to continue his professional career with the Minnesota Wild organization. His experience and versatility will be assets as he competes for playing time and contributes to team depth. Gaunce’s history of adapting to new teams and leagues suggests he will remain a valuable player in the NHL landscape.