The Anaheim Ducks are off to an impressive start this season, sitting at the top of the Pacific Division with a 14-8-1 record and winning three of their last five games. It’s a big turnaround for a team that missed the playoffs last year and finished nowhere near the second Wild Card spot, sitting 16 points back.
With the Ducks showing real progress, an NHL insider has now linked a $12 million defenseman to emerging trade rumors.
$12 Million D-Man Has Emerged in the Latest Ducks Trade Rumors
Radko Gudas has surfaced as the latest Ducks player drawing trade buzz. The 35-year-old is in the final year of his three-year, $12 million contract and has yet to sign an extension.
On Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos released his first trade board of the season and highlighted Gudas as a potential target. Kypreos noted that while it may seem surprising, “As Anaheim seems like it might be turning the corner into a playoff team, the timing of Gudas on a trade board may seem surprising.”
There is some concern about his age, expiring deal, and the overall lack of speed on the right side of the Ducks’ blue line, particularly with fellow teammate Jacob Trouba and Gudas anchoring that side.
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He also pointed out, “There will always be value in right-handed, shutdown defencemen and Gudas brings the ‘snarl’ teams will want in the post-season.”
Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is known to drive a hard bargain, and if the right offer doesn’t come, Gudas could simply finish out his contract, which expires in July. “Anaheim has come a long way, but aren’t “there” yet to contend for a Stanley Cup. This may be a play for Verbeek to continue building up assets.” Kypreos added.
Therefore, moving Gudas could be a way for Verbeek to acquire additional assets for the future.
Another Ducks defenseman drawing attention is Pavel Mintyukov. Kypreos mentioned that it’s rare to see a 10th overall pick potentially available just three years after being drafted. “That’s where we may be at with Mintyukov, a left-shot defenceman who has found his way to a few healthy scratches and being challenged for a full-time spot in the starting lineup,” Kypreos explained.
It remains to be seen whether the Ducks will look to strengthen their roster or capitalize on value by moving pieces like Gudas or Mintyukov.