Gaunce, 29, has appeared in 47 games with the Crunch this season, posting four goals and 28 points to go along with 36 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1, 194-pound defenseman ranks first among Syracuse defensemen for both assists (24) and points. Gaunce ranks tied for eighth in the AHL among defensemen for assists and represented the Crunch at the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic last week in Ontario, California.

The Sudbury, Ontario native has skated in 34 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and Lightning over four seasons, recording two goals and five points. Last season Gaunce appeared in two games with the Bolts, notching seven penalty minutes and a plus-3 rating.

Gaunce was originally drafted by Colorado in the second round, 50th overall, in the 2008 NHL Draft.