George Richards, FHN Publisher
FORT LAUDERDALE — It may seem like it came down to the final minutes, but the Florida Panthers kept Radko Gudas from hitting free agency on Wednesday by signing him to a long-term contract.
Gudas spent three seasons with the Panthers from 2021-23 before signing a lucrative contract with the Anaheim Ducks — where he was named captain of the team in his second year.
On Monday, the Panthers traded the negotiating rights to A.J. Greer to Anaheim for the rights to Gudas.
Greer got a four-year deal with the Ducks worth $4.25 million annually.
Gudas, 36, will get the Dmitry Kulikov deal: Six years, $1.5 million per.
Of course, Kulikov basically replaced Gudas on the Panthers in 2023 — and took his No. 7 back.
On Wednesday, the Panthers announced the Gudas signing with a video from his daughter Tynka.
ON DECK: FLORIDA PANTHERS OFFSEASON
- NHL Free Agency: Opens Today, Noon
- Panthers Development Camp: Ends Thursday; IcePlex, Fort Lauderdale
- Panthers Rookie Camp/Tournament: Late August/Early Sept.; Site TBA
- Panthers Training Camp: Early/Mid September; Fort Lauderdale
- Panthers Preseason (Four Games): Starts Sept. 20 vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- 2026-27 NHL Season Opens: Late September; Site, Opponent TBA