Radko Gudas expected to be named captain of the Anaheim Ducks

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Finnegan Frost
September 9, 2024 (12:15)

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It was announced on Elliotte Friedmans 32 Thoughts Podcast that Radko Gudas is expected to be named the new captain of the Anaheim Ducks.

Heading into the highly anticipated NHL regular season, there are some question marks concerning the Oilers backend. The departure of Cody Ceci has left the Oilers D-core somewhat depleted, and the team will need to consider a trade as newly acquired Ty Emberson might not be enough to fill the void.

According to sources, Gudas was a named that emerged on the Oilers radar heading into training camp. But now, new reports have circulated that indicate that Gudas will be named the new captain of the Ducks, killing any notion of a potential trade.

Here's exactly what Friedman said on the matter: "Gudas, I think, is gonna end up being the captain there [Anaheim] this year."

Gudas, 34, cemented himself as a major part of the Ducks' defense this past season due to his strong defensive play and immense physicality. In 66 games with the club in 2023-24, he had six goals, 18 points, 232 hits, 128 penalty minutes, and a plus-14 rating.

According to Micheal DeRosa from the Hockey News, With the Ducks being a young team, it would make sense for them to give the 'C' to Gudas. The 6-foot defender has plenty of experience, entering his 13th season. Because of this, he could be an excellent mentor for the club's young players as the Ducks continue their rebuild.

Gudas played four seasons with the Flyers from 2015-16 to 2018-19, where he had 17 goals, 73 points, and 1,009 hits in 290 games.

Source: The Hockey News
Ex-Flyers Defender Expected to Become New Ducks Captain