Former Alberta skip Brendan Bottcher joins Brad Gushue's rink

Just days after a shockwave was sent across the curling world with Team Gushue announcing they were parting ways with second E.J. Harnden, Brad Gushue has found his replacement.

Former Alberta skip Brendan Bottcher will play second on skip Gushue's foursome.

Gushue, a six-time Brier champion from St. John's, NL., told CBC Sports there were a lot of options on the table but that Bottcher is the best fit for the team.

"This was not a decision made on a whim. There was a very structured decision making process that we went through," Gushue said. "And if you look at all the options that were available to us, and there were quite a few more than I think most people would expect, it just always ended up with Brendan being the best option and we are very excited to have him on board.

"Brendan is the future of men's curling in this country and is 12 or 13 years younger than myself and Mark. Once we retire, whether that's in a couple of years or six years down the road, Brendan is going to go on to have a lot of success."

"Brendan is the future of men's curling in this country"