Today the Marlies announced the signing of two players to two-way AHL contracts.

Alex Gudbranson

The first is their next step in their campaign to sign every defenceman in the known world.  Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but they have a lot of defence options, and several who can be loaned to the Orlando Solar Bears too.

Today’s signing, Alex Gudbranson, who is on a two-way deal and may well spend time in Florida, brings back a somewhat familiar face.

Gudbranson had originally been signed to an ELC as a junior free agent.  He played a lot of ECHL hockey and produced fairly well for a man who isn’t really offensively focused.  Last year, the Marlies had him on a loan from the Wild organization, but he only saw four games.  I am certain I watched at least one of those games and found him competent, but not exceptional.  He can play the game, but he doesn’t make you think he’s top-pairing AHL material.

He is only 22, yet has pro experience, continuing the youth movement on the Leafs’ minor league teams.  He is a right-shooting defender, and is listed at 6’2” and 234 lb.  His points pace in the ECHL is actually higher than it was in the OHL.

Alex Gudbranson via Elite Prospects

SeasonTeamLeagueGPGATPPIMPlayoffsGPGATPPIM
2008-2009Ottawa Jr. 67s Bantam AAAOEBHL-----
Ottawa Jr. 67s Bantam AAAOHF Bantam AAA60112
Ottawa Jr. 67s Minor Midget AAAOEMMHL20002
2009-2010Ottawa Jr. 67s Minor Midget AAAOEMMHL2811193018
Ottawa Jr. 67s Midget AAAOEMHL41122Playoffs22130
Ottawa Jr. 67s Minor Midget AAAOHL Cup40000
Brockville BravesCJHL20000
2010-2011Kingston FrontenacsOHL623111437Playoffs50110
Canada Ontario U17WHC-1750002
2011-2012Kingston FrontenacsOHL5027952
2012-2013Sault Ste. Marie GreyhoundsOHL653111462Playoffs600015
2013-2014Sault Ste. Marie GreyhoundsOHL66781576Playoffs913418
2014-2015Iowa WildAHL4613417
2015-2016Quad City MallardsECHL725172258Playoffs40004
2016-2017Quad City MallardsECHL454111546
Toronto MarliesAHL40002

Kristian Pospisil

Their second signing of the day is also a familiar face.  Kristian Pospisil was an invitee to the recent development camp and made a very positive impression.

Pospisil is a 21 year old centre/winger who is as tall as Gudbranson, if not quite as defenceman-like in his mass.  He showed an ability to control the puck and win battles in development camp as well as some good offensive skills.

Kristian Pospisil via Elite Prospects

SeasonTeamLeagueGPGATPPIMPlayoffsGPGATPPIM
2011-2012HKM Zvolen U18Slovakia U18411892794
2012-2013EC Salzburg U18RBHRC U182517244152
EC Salzburg IIRBHRC U201115616
2013-2014EC Salzburg U18RBHRC U186391231
EC Salzburg U20EBYSL10671380
EC Salzburg IIMHL32491352
Slovakia U18 (all)International-Jr810120
Slovakia U18WJC-18511210
2014-2015EC Salzburg IIMHL49202949161
EC Salzburg IIJCWC31014
2015-2016Blainville-Boisbriand ArmadaQMJHL5225154074Playoffs1012319
Slovakia U20WJC-2050006
2016-2017Sioux City MusketeersUSHL48152540111Playoffs13591414
Toronto MarliesOrlando Solar Bears