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"Was not on my bingo card" "Well deserved": NHL fans divided over Radko Gudas' appointment as new Anaheim Ducks captain
Radko Gudas was named the new captain of the Anaheim Ducks heading into the 2024-25 NHL season. After spending several seasons with the Florida Panthers, Gudas signed a three-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks heading into the 2023-24 season. While it was his first and only year with the franchise, the team announced Thursday that it named Gudas as its captain.
Following Ryan Getzlaf's stint as captain from 2010 to 2022, the team played without a captain ever since. With Radko Gudas being a veteran defenseman, the franchise arguably believes the time was right for a new captain.
The NHL community was quick to react to the news, with fans divided on the matter.
"This was not on my bingo card," one fan said.
"Why?" another added.
Others, however, praised the move:
"Well Deserved," a fan said.
"Perfect choice!" another added.
"I love it. A veteran who’s a natural leader to lead the young guys. Much needed too," one more fan added.
The team released a statement announcing the decision. It also explained the reasoning behind the decision. In the announcement, GM Pat Verbeek said:
“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.
"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.”
Radko Gudas reacts to being named ninth captain in Anaheim Ducks history
Throughout his NHL career, Radko Gudas has proven to be one of the most physical defensemen in the league. While his play has occasionally drawn criticism for what some members of the NHL community believe to be reckless and often-times unnecessary physicality, Gudas' skills on the ice can't be denied.
In the aforementioned announcement from the Anaheim Ducks, Radko Gudas shared his thoughts as well:
“I am honored to be named captain of the Anaheim Ducks and lead our team into an exciting era. 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."
After struggling to impress last year and finishing the regular season with just 27 wins over 82 games, the Anaheim Ducks will look to start this season strong under Radko Gudas' leadership.
In addition, with a slew of young talent on the roster, Anaheim is eager to make a splash in the league.
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