Ex-Flyers Defender Expected to Become New Ducks Captain

In the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman and new cohost Kyle Bukauskas discussed each NHL team heading into the 2024-25 season. When it came to the Anaheim Ducks, Friedman shared that he expects former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas to be their next captain.

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Here’s exactly what Friedman said on the matter: “Gudas, I think, is gonna end up being the captain there [Anaheim] this year.”

Gudas, 34, cemented himself as a major part of the Ducks’ defense this past season due to his strong defensive play and immense physicality. In 66 games with the club in 2023-24, he had six goals, 18 points, 232 hits, 128 penalty minutes, and a plus-14 rating.

<p><button class= — © David Kirouac-Imagn Images

With the Ducks being a young team, it would make sense for them to give the ‘C’ to Gudas. The 6-foot defender has plenty of experience, entering his 13th season. Because of this, he could be an excellent mentor for the club’s young players as the Ducks continue their rebuild.

Gudas played four seasons with the Flyers from 2015-16 to 2018-19, where he had 17 goals, 73 points, and 1,009 hits in 290 games.

Radko Gudas<p>© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images</p> — Radko Gudas

© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Nevertheless, it will be very interesting to see if Friedman’s prediction of Gudas getting the ‘C’ from the Ducks comes to fruition. It would make sense given his experience and immediate impact with the Ducks.