Panthers acquire negotiating rights to Radko Gudas in exchange for A.J. Greer’s rights, eyeing reunion with veteran defenseman
The Florida Panthers may be bringing back one of the players who helped forge the franchise’s hard-nosed identity.
On Monday, the Panthers acquired the negotiating rights to veteran defenseman Radko Gudas from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the negotiating rights to forward A.J. Greer, giving Florida an exclusive window to work out a contract before Gudas reaches unrestricted free agency.
The move doesn’t guarantee Gudas will return to Sunrise.
It does, however, signal that Panthers general manager Bill Zito believes the 36-year-old defenseman could once again play an important role in Florida’s future.
Gudas spent three seasons with the Panthers from 2020-23, becoming one of the emotional leaders behind the club’s rise into an Eastern Conference powerhouse. His bruising style, willingness to block shots and relentless physicality helped Florida reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2023 before he departed for Anaheim in free agency.
The Panthers followed that run with back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, but they failed to qualify for the playoffs this past season, ending one of the NHL’s most successful recent stretches. Now, Florida appears intent on restoring some of the edge that made it one of hockey’s toughest teams.
A reunion with Gudas would certainly accomplish that.
Even in the latter stages of his career, Gudas remains one of the league’s premier shutdown defensemen. He’s never been known for offensive production. Instead, he thrives by finishing checks, clearing the front of the net and making opponents think twice before entering the defensive zone.
His return would only add to a roster already loaded with players who embrace physical hockey.
Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand have all built reputations as relentless competitors who thrive in playoff-style games. Reuniting that group with Gudas would give Florida another veteran capable of setting the tone every night.
The next step is the most important one.
Because the Panthers acquired only Gudas’ negotiating rights—not the player himself—they must now reach agreement on a new contract before free agency opens. If no deal is reached, Gudas would be free to sign with any NHL club.
Florida clearly believes the opportunity is worth the gamble.
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