Radko Gudas Signs 6-Year Extension With the Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Radko Gudas to a six-year contract extension, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. The deal is worth $1.5 million a season.

Gudas Rejoins Florida

Gudas spent the last three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. Last season, Gudas played in 81 games, scoring a goal and adding 15 assists. The Ducks traded the rights to Gudas yesterday. Many expected the Panthers and Gudas to agree to a deal before the defenseman hit free agency. Gudas previously played for the Panthers from 2020-2023. He was part of the team that reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2023.

In addition to the Ducks and his first stint in Florida, Gudas has also played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Washington Capitals.

Role With the Panthers

Gudas adds grit to an already gritty locker room. He will add some additional physicality on the blue line. He will be a nice addition to a penalty kill that was decent last season but will aim to be better in 2026-27.

Gudas will likely play on the third defensive pairing. Looking at the Panthers’ line combinations, picturing him as a third right-handed defenseman along with Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones should certainly be a pleasing sight in Sunrise.

Drawback?

Gudas is 36, so a six-year extension could definitely not look so great on the backend. Furthermore, he has yet to play a full season in his career, something that may have played a role in the Ducks being willing to move on from their captain.

However, general manager Bill Zito is clearly committed to returning to the playoffs and winning another Stanley Cup. If the team can win a Cup or two in these next six seasons, it will be an excellent investment in a gritty player who is strong on the penalty kill.

If you are a Panthers fan, you have had a fun summer so far. Your team will be right back in the thick of things in 2026-27. This latest move only strengthens that.