David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) looks on against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — It was expected that no other Anaheim Ducks player would wear No. 15 after franchise legend Ryan Getzlaf retired in 2022. That number will be retired at Honda Center in due time.
Getzlaf’s jersey also featured the “C” on this chest. The next Duck to be named captain was (finally) revealed last month.
Enter Radko Gudas. The Czech Republic-born defender is now the ninth captain in team history and first since Getzlaf (2010-22). Gudas is also the ninth NHL captain ever from Czechia and first since Milan Hejduk (Colorado) in 2012.
Anaheim General Manager Pat Verbeek, on the job since February 2022, took his time accessing his group. He describes Gudas as the natural leader who encompasses all of the qualities of a captain, especially at a time when a young group of players are trying to further establish themselves in the NHL.
The 34-year old Gudas is not necessarily a household name. Last season, his first in Orange County, he recorded 18 points in 66 games while leading Ducks skaters in plus/minus (+14), hits (232) and blocked shots (154).
But maybe more important than his on-ice success is the patient role he plays for a team with many years of rebuilding behind them. A six-year postseason drought is in full effect.
The Ducks are set to start their regular season on Saturday at San Jose, and their home schedule gets underway four days later vs. Utah. Gudas this week talked about this seasoh, the captaincy and his career.
The Sporting Tribune: How ready are you for the season to get underway?
Radko Gudas: I think the excitement in the room can speak for itself. We have a young group who wants to prove themselves, but I think we need to stay out of the (penalty) box. I think we are excited to get out there and battle right away.
TST: You have spent weeks playing with each other in training camp, and now you get to take the ice against someone else. Did you meet the goals during this time?
Gudas: It will be a nice change for us. Everybody is excited for (the beginning of the season). Training camp was good. Guys worked hard and came together. We put the work in and now we get to beat someone else up and not each other. I do really like the steps that we made. There is progress since last year. I think we are way better now than we were last year at this time. That is a great step to take, especially for the young guys. I see them better in the their end, which brings confidence. Make the plays. It is a great time of year.
TST: The hockey club in July added defender Brian Dumoulin from Seattle. As a defenseman, how has this defensive group gelled so far?
Gudas: Pretty good. Brian brings a lot of poise, a lot of experience on the backend. We needed that. We needed that presence, and I am really happy to have him here. It helps the young guys, it helps the older guys too.
TST: How does it help the most?
Gudas: It makes us feel more confident about our game as we get pucks to our centers and our wingers. The confidence helps you make plays, helps you get the puck out of the zone quicker.
TST: Your goalie, John Gibson, is out several weeks after emergency appendectomy surgery on Sept. 25. Can you talk about the loss of your veteran goalie?
Gudas: It is very tough to lose a guy like Gibby to an injury like that. You just hope for the best recovery. He is one of the best goalies in the league so it will be a difficult hurdle for us to start the season with.
TST: Lukas Dostal and veteran James Reimer step in for now. How can they be successful?
Gudas: Dotsy has been there for us whenever we have needed him. He keeps proving himself. He proved himself last year that he can play big games. From game one guys have confidence in him. Getting Reems here now, getting him his reps, is another guy capable of stealing games, and now we get that with him here. It is fun to have that on your team.
TST: It was big news last month when you were named team captain. How did you learn about the honor?
Gudas: I found out before camp. I had spoken with some guys at the end of the year. It was a process that took about a week, a week and half before it was announced.
TST: This is your 13th season in the NHL but only your second in Anaheim. Did you feel the timing was right to take on this responsibility?
Gudas: It is a big responsibility, but I am enjoying my time here, I am enjoying being at the rink here. The guys in this group make it a lot of fun for me here too. Another plus is these guys help make me feel a lot younger about myself. If I can share some of the experience I have, I can be a mentor for them that they can use.
TST: Who are some of the best leaders you have played with, or for, in your pro career?
Gudas: I have played with some Grade-A players. Seeing Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom how they led in the room. Jake Voracek and Wayne Simmonds and Claude Giroux led by example and always had the right things to say. Sasha Barkov is the captain of a Stanley Cup winning team who does everything right.
TST: The average fan might think a team captain is the person leading the team in goals or points. Why is there more to it?
Gudas: It’s not always about (numbers). I try to lead by example. Being a team captain is more about being a certain leader on the ice. Leadership is always how you prepare yourself for a game.
TST: You joined the Ducks around the same time Greg Cronin was named coach. What does your relationship with him look like?
Gudas: I think we have a pretty good relationship. We have had some long talks. Last year I think it was more about feeling each other out, seeing what everybody’s capabilities are. I think I am an honest guy and he is an honest guy.
TST: Do you talk to him and or general manager Pat Verbeek in detail about what the goals are for your squad this season?
Gudas: I would say I have had a lot of meetings. It is not always about the team as much as it is everything around the team. We talk in detail about the schedule and things like meals. I have my job and it is their job to put the team in place. I only control what I can control, and that is helping get the team ready and being ready myself.
TST: And finally, what do you like best about the new — which are also sort of old — uniforms for the Ducks this season??
Gudas: I love it.
For more than 20 years, Jeff Moeller has been a voice in the Southern California pro sports community. He now contributes to The Sporting Tribune on a semi-regular basis. A huge hockey fan, he has never seen the movie Slap Shot.