The Toronto Maple Leafs have been named as a potential destination for Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas. The ESPN analyst Kevin Weekes reported that the defenseman has been among the top in trade discussions, with growing interest around him. All this while he gets closer to unrestricted free agency on July 1. 

Weekes explained that if Gudas and the Ducks are not able to reach an extension soon, the Maple Leafs can eventually pursue him along with another franchise that is doing rounds.

"Per sources, I'm told Anaheim Ducks Captain D Gudas is gaining interest in the marketplace," Weekes reported on Thursday, June 18. "If him & Ducks can't get a deal done, the Florida Panthers and Maple Leafs are among potential fits. He's physical, experienced, playoff-tested, on a 2-3Yr term between 3.5M-4M+AAV."

According to Spotrac, he signed a three-year contract worth $12,000,000 in 2023 with a cap hit of $4,000,000 per season.

While nothing has been confirmed right now, it does add a notable name to Toronto's offseason trade talks.

Gudas has made around 200 hits per season and is recognized as one of the league's toughest defensemen to play against.

He spent the 2025-26 season in Anaheim, played in 56 games, and scored 13 points with 164 hits. He led the Ducks as the captain for the past two seasons, and the organization might still bring him back.

Gudas was involved in one of the most controversial plays involving the Maple Leafs this past season, when he was given a five-minute major and game misconduct. This was because of a knee-on-knee hit on captain Auston Matthews in March. 

The incident disrupted and closed Matthews' season early as Gudas was suspended for five games. And now the same player is being discussed as a potential fit for the team he hurt before.

Radko Gudas’ Florida legacy still resonates

Before joining the Ducks, Gudas spent three seasons in Florida with the Panthers from 2020 to 2023. 

During that stint, he became one of the most important players on defense. He played in 203 regular-season games with Florida, and even led the team with 917 hits and blocked shots with 314 in that period only.

He held an average of 17:40 of ice time per game and even wore an alternate captain's letter in his final year with the team.

Gudas left before the Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025. Despite leaving just before the franchise's biggest moments, his contributions to the team are still well remembered among the Panthers fans.

With his contract now expiring, Gudas is stuck between different paths. Whether he stays in Anaheim, explores a return to Florida, or lands in Toronto, it all depends on the contract situation.

What do you think about his next probable move? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar