Brendan Gaunce

Lore & Background

Brendan Gaunce was born to Stephen and Julie Gaunce in Sudbury, Ontario, but grew up in Markham, Ontario. He has two siblings: a brother and a sister. His older brother, Cameron, was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NHL entry draft by the Colorado Avalanche and later played with the Ontario Reign in the AHL. Gaunce attended Markham District High School, where he registered 4 goals and 21 points in 17 games on their ice hockey team and was named to the Toronto Star High School Hockey All-Star First Team. He also captained the Markham Waxers Minor Midget team, scoring 55 goals and 148 points in 86 games in 2009–10.

Gaunce made his major junior debut in the 2010–11 OHL season with the Belleville Bulls, recording a four-assist game in his second OHL game and scoring his first OHL goal in the following game. He finished the season with 11 goals and 36 points. In his second season, he was named an alternate captain and earned the OHL Player of the Week award after scoring five goals and an assist in three wins. He finished that season with 28 goals and 40 assists in 68 games. Gaunce was Belleville's nominee for the Bobby Smith Trophy as scholastic player of the year. He was traded from the Belleville Bulls to the Erie Otters on November 26, 2013.

Gaunce made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks on October 29, 2015, in a 4–3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. The next day, he scored his first NHL goal against Anders Lindback of the Arizona Coyotes in a 4–3 win. He later signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract with the Canucks on August 9, 2017. After five seasons with the Canucks organization, he left as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2019. He then played for the Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League, helping the club win the SHL Championship. Gaunce signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 30, 2021, and later re-signed a two-year, $1.525 million contract on June 18, 2022. After three seasons with the Blue Jackets, he signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2024, but was traded back to Columbus in exchange for Cameron Butler one year into his tenure. On July 1, 2026, he signed as a free agent to a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Boston Bruins, returning for a second stint.

Reader's Guide

Brendan Gaunce's career reflects a journeyman forward who has moved between NHL organizations and leagues, including a stint in Sweden where he won an SHL Championship with Växjö Lakers. His significance lies in his ability to adapt across different levels of professional hockey, from the OHL to the AHL, NHL, and SHL. Gaunce was a high draft pick (26th overall in 2012) by the Vancouver Canucks, who had targeted him in the draft and would have traded down if he were not available. He made his NHL debut in 2015 and scored his first NHL goal the following day. His international play includes gold at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and bronze at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships, as well as gold at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge representing Ontario. Gaunce's legacy is that of a versatile forward who has contributed at multiple levels, including a return to the Boston Bruins for a second stint in 2026. His career statistics include regular season and playoff totals, as well as international appearances for Canada.

Did You Know?

• Gaunce scored his first NHL goal on October 30, 2015, against Anders Lindback of the Arizona Coyotes.
• He helped the Växjö Lakers win the SHL Championship in the 2020–21 season.