Anaheim Ducks name controversial player for next team Captain

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Liam McCormick
September 19, 2024 (11:35)

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Moments ago, the Anaheim Ducks announced that they've named veteran defenceman Radko Gudas as their team captain.

Gudas has only been in Anaheim for one season after signing a a three year contract for $4M annually last offseason. The 34 year old veteran of 748 career games has a reputation for his heavy physical play and showing some raw emotion on the ice.

In an era where NHL teams mostly name their young skilled stars team captains, making a player like Radko Gudas captain stands out. Clearly the Ducks new GM Pat Verbeek is looking to install a new culture in the locker room, and doesn't trust any of the rookies to take the leadership reigns yet.

Players like Trevor Zegras, Cam Fowler, or even Troy Terry would've been other candidates - and all are players that have been around much longer and are arguably better players. It speaks volumes of what the Ducks room is like if management wants to name a newcomer veteran as Captain, but Gudas may also just be a natural leader.

The Anaheim Ducks have been near the basement of the NHL for years now, and are just now starting to see some young talent break onto the roster. Gudas and the Ducks need to form a winning culture to chaos these young stars in the next few years, and they could carry it with them for their whole careers.