Erik Gudbranson is downplaying an apparent threat uttered about Matt Martin in advance of Saturday's game between the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Following a rather contentious first meeting between the two clubs on Nov. 5, Gudbranson was heard saying, "Matt Martin is dead."

Now, Gurbranson says that kind of talk isn't all that uncommon, and obviously not meant to be taken literally.

From Dan Murphy of Sportsnet:

It was wrong, but the number of times I've said that is probably higher than most would expect. But do I mean it? No. That's the honest truth.

No I'm not going to kill the guy, that's insanity.

I was just frustrated at that point and unfortunately it got taken to a level that I didn't expect.

Gudbranson's threat was made in light of a series of violent acts during the first game, with the teams combining for 171 penalty minutes.

The possibility of further action is being taken seriously by the NHL, to the point where NHL senior vice president of Player Safety Stephane Quintal will be in Vancouver to watch the game, as confirmed by Canucks general manager Jim Benning:

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