The Anaheim Ducks and the Florida Panthers have made a trade on the contract rights of a pair of veteran players. News emerged on Monday afternoon that that the Radko Gudas rights went to Florida while the A.J. Greer rights were sent to Anaheim. Insider Chris Johnston was the first to report news of the deal.
The Panthers and Ducks have agreed to swap the rights to Radko Gudas for the rights to A.J. Greer, per @reporterchris 👀Gudas returns to Florida after a three-year stint in Anaheim, leaving the Ducks without a captain. Both players are pending UFAs.
Radko Gudas Rights, A.J. Greer Rights Swapped Between Anaheim and Florida
While this doesn’t mean that both clubs will sign the respective players, both Florida and Anaheim will have first crack at signing these players before July 1. Florida can negotiate with Gudas before he hits the open market, and Anaheim can sit down with Greer.
If the Panthers, do sign Gudas, he will return to South Florida after a three-year stint with the Ducks. Anaheim will also be without a captain and have to name a new one at some point. Gudas has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, Ducks and Panthers over his 14-year NHL career.
Greer has played for the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, and the Panthers over his nine-year NHL career. The Joliette, Quebec native helped the Cats win the Stanley Cup in 2024-25.
(Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire)
What It Means
If the Panthers do bring back Gudas, it’s another step in making the team one of the meanest in the league. The Czech blueliner has a reputation for having a bit of a nasty streak on ice. It looks like general manager Bill Zito is leaning into that.
Greer has a chance to be part of a team that’s on the rise. The Ducks made the Stanley Cup Playoffs and made it to the second round. There’s plenty to like about the roster and adding Greer could be a solid veteran addition if he inks a deal.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
