A Deal That Shifts the Balance
The Anaheim Ducks announced a trade that will see right wing A.J. Greer join the franchise from the Florida Panthers, while veteran defenseman Radko Gudas heads the other way. The move was confirmed by general manager Pat Verbeek, who framed the transaction as a calculated step toward bolstering the team’s offensive depth.
Greer, a 29‑year‑old forward who helped Florida capture the 2025 Stanley Cup, brings a proven playoff pedigree and a fresh set of career highs to Anaheim. In the 2025‑26 regular season he posted 32 points, including 17 goals and 15 assists, while posting a league‑best plus/minus rating of +14.
The forward’s journey to the NHL has been marked by stints with Colorado, Boston, New Jersey and Calgary, as well as a productive run in the AHL where he earned a spot on the 2017 All‑Star Game and captured the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award in 2016‑17. Drafted in the second round by the Colorado Avalanche in 2015, Greer also contributed to a championship‑winning Rouyn‑Noranda Huskies squad in the QMJHL and starred at Boston University before turning professional.
The Captain’s Departure
Radko Gudas, who served as the Ducks’ captain for the past two seasons, departs after a three‑year stretch in which he appeared in 203 games and logged 47 points with a +16 rating. The 36‑year‑old defenseman has previously worn the colors of Washington, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Florida, accumulating 211 points and 1,124 penalty minutes over 885 NHL appearances.
General manager Pat Verbeek emphasized that the trade reflects a broader strategy to refresh the roster while preserving a competitive edge. By exchanging Gudas for a player who has already tasted championship success, the Ducks aim to inject experience and scoring versatility into their lineup.
The transaction also underscores the interconnected nature of modern NHL roster building, where teams frequently leverage draft picks, prospect pipelines and international talent to fine‑tune their squads. As the Ducks look ahead to the upcoming season, the addition of Greer is expected to elevate their offensive output and provide depth on the right wing.