The Anaheim Ducks have chosen Radko Gudas as their new captain.
He takes over from Ryan Getzlaf, who retired in 2022. Gudas is now the sixth NHL captain from Czechia, joining names like Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias. With a career spanning 748 games over 12 seasons, he’s played for five different teams since being drafted by Tampa Bay in 2010.
Gudas quickly became known for his physical style, especially during the 2013-14 season when he set a franchise record with 273 hits while playing for Tampa Bay. He later broke that record twice with the Philadelphia Flyers, tallying 304 and then 280 hits in subsequent seasons. His aggressive play peaked in the 2021-22 season with Florida Panthers, recording an impressive 355 hits.
New Chapter with Anaheim
Last summer, Gudas signed a three-year contract worth $12 million with Anaheim. He played confidently on the second pairing and scored 18 points in 66 games—his best since the 2018-19 season. His leadership qualities stood out among Anaheim’s young roster, leading to his appointment as captain.
Fans might be excited about this new chapter for both Gudas and the team.
Gudas expressed his pride on the team’s website: “I am honored to be named captain of the Anaheim Ducks and lead our team into an exciting era. The trust put in me by Pat, our management, coaches and my teammates is something I take with pride. Leadership is a shared quality amongst our team, and I look forward to representing the Ducks on the ice and also outside of the rink in the community.”
What do you think about Gudas becoming captain?
