Radko Gudas, a seasoned defenseman, is attracting interest from multiple NHL teams as he approaches free agency after a 13-point season with the Anaheim Ducks. The 36-year-old veteran spent the last three seasons with Anaheim, serving as captain and demonstrating significant physicality on the ice, evidenced by his leading hits and blocks among Ducks defensemen. With a potential continuation of his contract around $3.5MM to $4+MM AAV, interest is particularly noted from his former team, the Florida Panthers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, both of whom are looking to strengthen their blue line.

By the Numbers
  • 56 games played in the 2025-26 season with 13 points scored.
  • Ranked first among Ducks defensemen with a +16 rating and 657 hits.
  • Logged an average of nearly 20 minutes of ice time in his first two seasons; down to around 16 minutes last season.
State of Play
  • Gudas is currently without a contract as the market opens.
  • The Panthers have approximately $15.2MM in cap space to pursue Gudas.
  • The Maple Leafs are also considering Gudas to bolster their defensive lineup with over $18.7MM in cap space available.
What's Next

Gudas' impending decision will likely shape the defensive core of whichever team he chooses. His potential return to Florida could provide stability as they improve their performance after a disappointing last season. Toronto may also heavily pursue him to navigate their changes within the defensive lineup. A decision is expected soon as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

Gudas represents a valuable combination of leadership and physical play that could enhance the defensive lineup of teams in need of experienced depth. His future success will depend on how effectively he integrates with a new team and adjusts to their system, but his proven track record indicates he can be a critical asset.