The Vancouver Canucks have signed pending unrestricted free agent Erik Gudbranson to a three-year, $12-million contract extension.

The defenceman will carry an annual cap hit of $4 million, up from his current $3.5 million salary. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports Gudbranson will be paid $4.5 million next season, $4.5 million the season after that and $3 million in the final year of the deal. The extension does not carry a no-trade clause of any kind, McKenzie reports.

The 26-year-old Gudbranson is in his second season with the Canucks, and has two goals and two assists in 41 games.

"Erik is an important part of our team and provides a physical element to our blueline," Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a release. "His leadership qualities help us as we continue to integrate younger players in our lineup. He is a quality person, a great teammate, outstanding in the community and we are excited to have him as part of our team moving forward."

Gudbranson said Monday he was weighing his options between signing an extension and reaching free agency.

“There are a lot of angles and it’s not the most black-and-white thing I’ve experienced,” Gudbranson told the Vancouver Province on Monday. “I’m learning a lot about the business side of hockey and making an educated decision.

“I’m aware of all the angles. I have a mindset that I want to be here and getting something done soon. It certainly has been on my mind the last month. I think I deserve some security and I’d like a couple of years to be part of a group that’s growing.”

The third overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft started his career with the Florida Panthers, joining the Canucks after the 2015-16 season in a trade for centre Jared McCann.

Gudbranson has 14 goals and 39 assists in 380 career NHL games.