Panthers acquire rights to Radko Gudas from Ducks

The Florida Panthers have acquired the exclusive negotiating rights to veteran defenseman Radko Gudas from the Anaheim Ducks, the teams announced Monday. In exchange, the Ducks received the rights to forward A.J. Greer. Both players are pending unrestricted free agents, with the NHL’s free agency period set to open Wednesday.

The trade gives Florida a head start in attempting to sign Gudas, 36, who played for the Panthers from 2020 to 2023 and was part of their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023. He served as Anaheim’s captain for the past two seasons, helping the team return to the playoffs. Last season, Gudas recorded two goals and 11 assists in 56 games, ranking second on the Ducks in hits. He also missed five games due to a suspension for a knee-on-knee hit on Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews in March.

For the Panthers, the move continues an offseason focused on adding physicality. The team has already acquired forwards Brady Tkachuk and Garnet Hathaway, adding to a roster that already includes established gritty players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand. If Gudas signs, he would join a defensive corps that includes Aaron Ekblad, Gustav...