The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly showing real interest in a defenseman who caught a ton of heat for his controversial hit on Auston Matthews.
That defenseman is none other than Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas. The Leafs have reportedly been doing their homework and could be a serious contender to bring him in to toughen up their blue line.
Gudas’ three-year, $12 million contract with the Ducks has ended, making him an unrestricted free agent now. According to insider Kevin Weekes, a new deal there looks unlikely.
The Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are emerging as the top potential landing spots for him, per Weekes:
“Per sources, I’m told @AnaheimDucks Captain D Gudas is gaining interest in the marketplace. If him & Ducks can’t get a deal done, @FlaPanthers @MapleLeafs are among potential fits. He’s physical, experienced, playoff tested, on a 2-3Yr term between 3.5M-4M+AAV,” Weekes posted on X.
Radko Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews during a regular-season game back in March, resulting in a Grade 3 MCL injury that ended Matthews’ season prematurely.
Gudas is a hard-nosed veteran blueliner known for his solid defensive play and physical edge. Adding him would bring exactly the kind of toughness and veteran presence the Leafs’ defense could use.
Maple Leafs’ search for new coach finally comes to an end
The Toronto Maple Leafs finally put an end to their coaching search earlier this week after naming Jim Hiller as the team’s 41st head coach.
It was a pretty surprising choice for many fans. After being without a bench boss since May, many Leafs supporters were expecting the front office to go after a big-name, battle-tested coach with serious Stanley Cup experience.
Instead, they went with Hiller. GM John Chayka explained that the decision was made with the view that Hiller would be a great choice to help the players grow both individually and as a group.
“We didn’t hire to satisfy a narrative or check a box,” Chayka said. “We hired based on what we believed would be best to support the growth (of the players), both individually and collectively. We hired someone who could create an environment where people are challenged and where accountability and trust can coexist and where players have the opportunity to maximize their abilities.
Before joining the Maple Leafs, Jim Hiller served as an assistant coach of the Los Angeles Kings. He replaced Craig Berube, who was fired by the Maple Leafs after a disappointing season and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.
Also Read: Former Maple Leafs forward bluntly criticizes Jim Hiller hire
Edited by Abhishek Dilta