Canucks' Gudbranson was in Africa when Panthers traded him

Erik Gudbranson was halfway around the world the day he was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks.

Gudbranson was traded last week from the Florida Panthers, along with a fifth-round pick, in exchange for forward Jared McCann and two draft picks. The defenseman said he learned about the trade while in Africa.

"I got Wi-Fi a day late, turned my phone on and my phone actually blew up," Gudbranson told News 1130 Sports in Vancouver on Friday.

The 24-year-old admits he is thrilled to be joining such a big hockey market.

"Vancouver is one of the most exciting markets on the planet for hockey. The excitement grew, grew, and grew," said Gudbranson. "I'm excited about the scrutiny and the pressure, I thrive off that."

Gudbranson was a far cry from from home when the deal went through and the trade will now seem him move nearly 3,500 miles from Sunrise, Fla. to Vancouver, B.C.