Gudbranson reveals surprising news following Penguins' playoff exit

Erik Gudbranson was excited to join the Penguins when he landed with the contending team after a trade sent him to Pittsburgh from the Vancouver Canucks in return for forward Tanner Pearson. The veteran defenseman needed a change of scenery. 

The 27-year-old added some much needed depth to the Pens' blue line ahead of the postseason and a threat of retaliation if one of the star players was hit by an opponent. Gudbranson embraced his role, but most importantly the chance to play with an elite player like captain Sidney Crosby. On Thursday as the Penguins cleaned out their dressing room, Gudbranson revealed how much the trade was beneficial to his career and personal life. He explained to team insider Jonathan Bombulie of the Tribune-Review how the move can him confidence and encouraged him to simply his play on the ice. 

While the Penguins' shocking playoff exit at the hands of the sweeping New York Islanders might have been a downer for many players and coaches on the Penguins' staff, it came with a surprising reward for Gudbranson. 

Known for his good looks and popularity with the ladies on and off the ice, due to the many Instagram pictures of his muscular body, tattoos and a winning smile, Gudbranson has officially taken himself of the market. While he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2021 due to his NHL contract, the game of life has changed for the blue liner. 

Gudbranson announced at the team's cleanup session that he is getting married this summer. 

After the trade that got many fans talking at the deadline, Gudbranson felt the need to settle down and the Penguins can only hope it will give him stability and consistency on the ice as well. 

Pens general manager Jim Rutherford praised the play of his new defenseman just a month after acquiring him and we can only hope all of this positivity, including his new wife, can bring him at the top of his game. 

“Sometimes a player needs a change,” Rutherford had told The Athletic. “Sometimes he just is going to be more comfortable with another city with another team. It happens. We had felt strongly about him for some time. We always liked him. He’s been very good.”

Getting married for Gudy - you have to admit that's quite the change as well!