COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired forward Brendan Gaunce on Thursday in exchange for forward Cameron Butler.
Gaunce, 31, has played 189 career NHL games with the Wild, Blue Jackets, Boston Bruins, and Vancouver Canucks since his debut in the 2015-16 season. Over his career, Gaunce has accumulated 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points, along with 71 penalty minutes and 230 shots on goal. He averaged 10:39 of ice time per game. Last season, Gaunce played 12 games with Minnesota, recording one assist and four penalty minutes.
Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Gaunce was previously signed by Columbus as a free agent in 2021 and played three seasons with the team, achieving career highs in goals and points during the 2021-22 season. In the American Hockey League, Gaunce has played 382 games, scoring 123 goals and 139 assists, and served as captain of the Cleveland Monsters in the 2023-24 season.
Cameron Butler, 23, made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets on March 30, 2024. In his time with the Cleveland Monsters, Butler recorded 4 goals and 7 assists in 91 games, along with 145 penalty minutes. The Ottawa native was signed by Columbus in March 2023.