On July 1, 2023, Radko Gudas signed a three-year, $12 million ($4 million AAV) contract with the Anaheim Ducks. 17 days prior, Gudas represented the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final where they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.
Gudas spoke with iSport in Czechia after signing his contract with Anaheim.
"I'm not the youngest anymore, I knew that this was one of the last contracts for me," Gudas said, through translation. "We have four children, I also had to look at the financial side. I have considered all the factors. When I talked with my agent and my wife, Anaheim got along the best of all.”
Much of the national conversation around the signing of Gudas was based on his ability to add grit and toughness along with a veteran presence on a young blueline to the rebuilding Ducks lineup. Understandably so, but what may have had more impact on the Ducks roster is how spectacular a partner he is on the right side of a young, left-shot defenseman.
Radko Gudas has averaged 19:09 TOI/game in 2023/24. He’s scored six goals and added seven assists in 45 games. His two most consistent partners have been Urho Vaakanianen (419 minutes) and Jackson LaCombe (199 minutes) with those pairs’ xG% sitting at 54.6% and 60%, respectively. It’s not a coincidence that Vaakanainen and LaCombe have played their best hockey with Gudas across the ice from them.
On the ice, Gudas plays a simple and predictable brand of hockey. With the puck on his stick, if his first option is eliminated, he will keep the puck moving up the wall or on the glass. He is aware of his skillset and doesn’t push those limits. He times his pinches well and, positionally, never puts himself in a bad spot in any zone. Defending the rush is where he can get caught flat-footed at times, but it’s a rare occurrence. That’s also where he has delivered some of his trademark momentum-swinging body checks.
Gudas has been at his best while in defensive-zone coverage this season. In the Ducks’ man system, he never strays from the hip of his assignment. He boxes out and clears the front of the net effectively and with ferocity. He doesn’t allow second chances when his goalie gives up rebounds and getting to scoring areas will come at a price when #7 is on the ice.
Because Gudas is so reliable and consistent, it opens up the game for a young defensive partner who’s trying to adjust to a full-time NHL role. The NHL is the toughest and fastest hockey league in the world. It’s a true luxury for a young player not to have to concern themselves with their partner blowing their assignment or making a crucial mistake.
Playing with Radko Gudas, Urho Vaakanainen has been able to refine his defensive game and has become a true play-killer in all three zones. Jackson LaCombe, when with Gudas, has been able to test his limits while moving the puck up ice and in the offensive zone. Gudas has played a (mostly) low-profile role this season at 5v5, so his partners have as well. He and the coaching staff have created a relatively friendly environment for young defensemen looking to make impacts early in their careers. That’s good news for any left-shot Ducks prospect looking to do the same over the next two seasons.