An NHL player who got his start in Grande Prairie is on the move. Defenceman Brendan Guhle has been traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for fellow defenceman Brandon Montour. The Ducks are also getting a first-round selection in the 2019 NHL draft from either San Jose or St. Louis.
“Brendan Guhle is an excellent skater who is ready to take the next step in his career,” says Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager & Interim Head Coach Bob Murray. “Adding Guhle and a first-round pick is an important step as we retool our team moving forward.”
The 21-year-old began his career with the Grande Prairie Storm Bantam AAA team nearly a decade ago. He spent more time in the Alberta Major Bantam and Alberta Midget Hockey Leagues before moving back and forth between the Western and American Hockey Leagues over the last five years.
Guhle was drafted in 2015 and played just two games for the Buffalo Sabres last season. He also laced up for 50 with its affiliate Rochester Americans, recording five goals and 22 assists in 2018-2019.
“Our entire staff has really enjoyed working with Brendan over the last couple years, whether it be in Buffalo or in Rochester,” says Sabres general manager Jason Botterill. “His dedication to the game, his professionalism was very impressive, and I know Brendan’s going to have a very bright future in the National Hockey League.”
In his times with the Sabres, Guhle notched five assists and 12 penalty minutes in 23 games. He has 59 points and 69 penalty minutes in the AHL, and was an All-Star last season.
