After Radko Gudas trade rumors, Maple Leafs' nemesis goes to Eastern Conference rival

For a time earlier this month, there was a suggestion that Radko Gudas could end up with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It was a shocking idea, given that Gudas had ended Auston Matthews' season with a nasty hit to the captain's knee early in 2026.

Still, the Maple Leafs needed defensemen, so it couldn't entirely be written off.

Instead, Gudas is going elsewhere in the Eastern Conference.

On Monday, his rights were traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for the rights of A.J. Greer.

Both Gudas and Greer are set to be free agents in a few days, but this provides a negotiating opportunity.

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Given the fact that the Panthers chose to do this deal, it seems they believe they'll be able to sign Gudas to a contract before he gets to free agency.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman does believe that will happen:

Think it's possible both of these guys sign with these new teams https://t.co/Llz2IJSLwO

Gudas wouldn't have necessarily been a great asset for the Maple Leafs anyway. He's certainly on the decline, known more for his physicality than his pure defensive ability.

Now, though, he'll be with Florida and have more matchups to come with Toronto. There certainly could be some extra edge to those games.

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