Ducks Trade Gudas to Panthers for A.J. Greer’s Signing Rights

The Anaheim Ducks have made a significant move in their roster management by trading the signing rights of defenseman Radko Gudas to the Florida Panthers in exchange for A.J. Greer’s signing rights. This decision marks another step in the Ducks’ strategy as they look to reshape their lineup.

A.J. Greer, 29, joins the Ducks after spending the last two seasons with the Panthers, where he recorded 49 points over 159 games. Known for his physical play, Greer is expected to bolster the Ducks’ bottom-six forwards with his toughness and presence on the ice.

Originally a second-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Greer began his professional career with the Colorado Avalanche and has since played for the New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and most recently, the Panthers. His experience across multiple teams will provide valuable depth to Anaheim’s forward group.

Gudas, who served as the Ducks’ captain for the past two seasons, joined the team in the summer of 2023 after signing a three-year deal on the same day as his longtime teammate Alex Killorn. His leadership played a crucial role in helping rookie Jackson LaCombe adjust to the NHL, as Gudas utilized his physicality and defensive skills to support the young defenseman.

Despite his contributions, Gudas struggled to maintain his performance after being named captain in 2024. A combination of age and injuries led to frequent positioning errors, resulting in penalties to avert scoring chances from opponents. His tenure in Anaheim came to a disappointing close due to a sprained ankle sustained during the regular season. Although he made a brief return for Game 1 of the playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers, he was unable to continue after re-aggravating the injury.

This trade signifies a return to familiar territory for Gudas, who previously played for the Panthers for three seasons and was part of the team that reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2024. He is expected to slot into Florida’s bottom pairing alongside Dmitry Kulikov.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, both Greer and Gudas are anticipated to sign with their respective new teams, signaling a fresh start for each player in their new environments.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.