Radko Gudas is the new captain of the Anaheim Ducks.
Gudas becomes the ninth captain in Ducks history and the sixth NHL captain from Czechia, following leaders such as Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias and Milan Hejduk.
“I am honored to be named captain of the Anaheim Ducks and lead our team into an exciting era,” Gudas said in a news release. “The trust put in me by (Ducks GM Pat Verbeek), 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.”
Gudas only joined the Ducks last season, but he stood out in Anaheim as a leader right away.
“After taking time to assess our group over the last few seasons, Radko emerged as a natural leader who encompasses all of the qualities of a captain and the respect of his teammates, our staff and his peers,” Verbeek said. “With a young group of players establishing themselves in the NHL, we felt it was necessary to have a veteran lead our team. Radko exemplifies what it means to be a professional, how to carry yourself on and off the ice and in the community, and be a mentor to our young group that will become the next leaders of the team.”
With the news, the Ducks unveiled their first photos of Gudas wearing the highly anticipated refreshed Wild Wing uniform and the captain’s ‘C.’
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Gudas, 34, had six goals and 18 points in 66 games last year for the Ducks. But the defensive defenseman is most known for his hard-hitting style of play, ranking fifth among all NHL blueliners last season with 232 hits. Gudas also led the Ducks with 154 blocked shots last season as well.
Since Gudas joined the NHL in 2012-13 after the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted him 66th overall in 2010, no defenseman has recorded more hits than his 2,797. He has 337 more hits than second-place Luke Schenn.
Overall, he’s played 748 career games and has 39 goals and 143 assists for 182 points.
As the second-oldest player on the Ducks’ training camp roster behind Alex Killorn and with two seasons left on his contract worth $4 million annually, Gudas will now lead Anaheim through the middle of its rebuild.
The Buffalo Sabres, Utah Hockey Club and Seattle Kraken are the three NHL teams left without a captain.
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Related: Lightning And Blackhawks Announce New Leaders: Which Captainless NHL Clubs Are Left?
News Summary:
- Anaheim Ducks Unveil First Photos Of Radko Gudas Wearing the Captain's 'C'
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.