Anaheim Ducks name Radko Gudas 9th captain in franchise history

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that defenseman Radko Gudas has been named the ninth captain in franchise history.

“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,” said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek. “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.”

“I am honored to be named captain of the Anaheim Ducks and lead our team into an exciting era,” said Gudas. “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.”

The Kladno, Czechia native is entering his second season with the Ducks and his 13th in the NHL. Gudas notched six goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 66 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Gudas has racked up 39 goals and 143 assists for 182 points with a +87 rating and 971 penalty minutes in 748 career games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers and Anaheim.

Gudas is the sixth Czech player in NHL history to be named captain of his team following in the footsteps of Peter Stastny, Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias, Bobby Holik, and Milan Hejduk. He becomes the first Ducks captain since Ryan Getzlaf announced his retirement in 2022.