Brendan Gaunce REAX

Gaunce is a bulking two-way power forward who can also finish and distribute the puck at a high level. He is a really smart hockey player with tremendous instincts and vision on the ice. Even though he’s an aggressive checker, he also has the ability to pull up along the side boards, control a power play and be a very effective distributor. Gaunce makes all the little plays consistently with his distribution game and he also is able to show the ability to see and make the difficult passes. Gaunce is a strong player and you see it in his shooting ability as he really leans into his wrist and slap shots, showing plus finishing ability from beyond the blue paint. He is also pretty physically advanced in terms of his frame and muscle mass and is at least in that aspect ready for the next level, although I wouldn’t be crazy about him making the jump until he’s 19 or 20. Gaunce is dangerous on the forecheck with his strength and work ethic, but also shows as much determination in the other end of the rink, where combined with his hockey sense, it makes him quite an effective two-way centerman. His puck skills are average, though, as he’s not one to make a good hands play. He is also is a below-average skater as well who isn’t that dangerous in transition.

Scouts I talked to have been divided on Brendan Gaunce’s upside, which may have led to him slipping to the late first. I love his hockey sense, shot and physicality but his skating needs work. Due to how advanced his body and reads are, I’ve heard a few scout say he potentially could push for a pro job in the not too distant future.

Brendan is big, strong two-way center. He is a good skater with a good stride and he moves well. He can improve his quickness and by doing so, he will become more difficult to stop because with his size, when he gains a step, an opponent is faced with a losing proposition. He is smart and plays the game well both with and without the puck. He makes plays and because he’s smart he gets scoring chances and an improved shot can make him that much better offensively. He works without the puck and is also capable of playing on the wing which adds a component of versatility to his game. He will assert with his body, hold off defenders and create advantages for himself and the team with his approach but is not going to be the punishing type. He has shown the ability to raise the level of his play when the games become more demanding and important. He’s a very effective player and because he can find a way to contribute in multiple ways, this enhances his play and adds value to a team.

Skating has been a question mark in the minds of many, but he answered any concerns for me on the big ice surface at the World U-18s. With an excellent work ethic, Gaunce has enough skill and drive for the net to become a solid secondary offensive player. He is strong on the puck and leaves it all on the ice.

Brendan Gaunce is a meat-and-potatoes type of player willing to enter the gritty areas and engage in puck battles. His defensive awareness, positioning on both sides of the puck and faceoff prowess earn him tough minutes as a shutdown option. Offensively, Gaunce plays a power game complemented by above-average passing skills and an ability to unleash a hot wrist in tight quarters.

Playing on the bigger ice in Belleville, Gaunce’s below-average skating skills have been exposed and he must continue to improve his quickness and lateral mobility. Lacking first line upside, Gaunce’s value lies in his size, intelligence, versatility and attention to detail that makes him, arguably, the draft’s top two-way forward.