Gudbranson signs pro contract

The Soo Greyhounds overage situation may have just changed.

The National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild announced on Tuesday afternoon that they have inked defenceman Alex Gudbranson to an entry level contract.

Gudbranson attended the Wild prospect development camp in July and was invited back for the teams recently completed rookie camp.

The four-year Ontario Hockey League veteran suited up in 66 games last season with the Greyhounds, scoring seven goals and 15 points before chipping in with a goal and four points in nine playoff games.

In his OHL career, Gudbranson scored 15 goals and 52 points in 243 career games split between the Greyhounds and Kingston Frontenacs.

For the Greyhounds, Gudbranson signing with the Wild could open up a roster spot as the veteran blueliner could play in the American League this winter.

In an interview on Tuesday afternoon, prior to the Gudbranson signing being made official, Greyhounds coach Sheldon Keefe addressed the team’s overage situation.

Forward Bryan Moore is back with the team after attending the New York Rangers rookie camp while Gudbranson and Jean Dupuy are away at pro camps. Dupuy is currently at the camp of the AHL’s St. John’s Ice Caps.

“We’ll see what happens with those two guys (Gudbranson and Dupuy),” said Keefe. “If it turns out they’re not back then we’ll wish them well and it will open up a couple of spots to add some impactful players throughout the season.”

Gudbranson was one of two players the Wild signed to entry level deals on Tuesday. The team also signed American defenceman Hunter Warner to a contract. Warner split the 2013-14 season with Waterloo and Fargo in the United States League.

File photo by Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday