The Florida Panthers aren't wasting any time trying to erase the disappointment of last season.
After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, Florida's injury-riddled 2025-26 campaign ended with the team missing the playoffs. Determined to get back into contention, general manager Bill Zito has been aggressive early in the offseason, making several roster moves to restore the Panthers' identity.
One of those moves has already earned the approval of star forward Matthew Tkachuk .
The Panthers reacquired Radko Gudas ' signing rights from the Anaheim Ducks before signing the veteran defenseman to a six-year, $9 million contract.
Gudas, 36, previously played three seasons in Florida from 2020 to 2023. He became a fan favorite and an important part of the team's run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. During that time, he recorded 917 hits in 203 regular-season games and built a reputation as one of the NHL's toughest defensemen.
Speaking about Gudas' return, Tkachuk admitted there were few players he disliked facing more. "Very excited about bringing in Gudas. I know you've only played against him, not with him either. He might be your new best friend," Matthew said to his brother, Brady.
"He is the butcher. I mean, just as solid as a guy, as solid of a player. Absolutely hated playing against him. Might've been the most, like the guy I didn't want to play against the most in the league," Tkachuk said .
"You never knew if he was going to take your head off coming across the middle… Just an all-around great, great, great guy. And he's a Florida Panther through and through, so it makes sense that he's back on the team," he added.
Tkachuk's comments reflect the reputation Gudas has built throughout his NHL career. Few defensemen combine physicality, shot-blocking and intimidation the way he does, making him a difficult matchup every time he steps on the ice.
Florida's defense struggled with injuries last season, forcing the team to constantly rotate players on the bottom pairing. The lack of consistency put extra pressure on the Panthers' top defensemen.
Gudas should help solve that problem. Even at 36, he remains a physical, reliable defender. He recorded 164 hits in 56 games with Anaheim last season and continues to be a trusted penalty killer.
The Panthers don't need him to play huge minutes or run the power play. They brought him back to clear the crease, block shots, win puck battles, and bring toughness in defensive situations.
His six-year, $9 million contract is also team-friendly, giving Florida added salary cap flexibility while bringing back a veteran who already knows the team's culture.
General manager Bill Zito believes Gudas brings value that extends well beyond the stat sheet. "It's nice to have him back. … He might be more valuable to us than to many other teams. I think people missed him. They're happy to have their friend back as well as a teammate and warrior."
For a Panthers team aiming to get back into Stanley Cup contention, Gudas' return brings back a proven, hard-nosed veteran who helped shape the team's identity.
