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Should the Edmonton Oilers go for Radko Gudas?

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Finnegan Frost
September 2, 2024 (10:02)

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Photo credit: The Hockey News

The departure of Cody Ceci has left a void in the Oilers defensive depth, and GM Stan Bowman is looking for some last minute trade ideas to bolster his blue-line.

Heading into the highly anticipated NHL regular season, there are some question marks concerning the Oilers backend. The departure of Cody Ceci has left the Oilers D-core somewhat depleted, and the team will need to consider a trade as newly acquired Ty Emberson might not be enough to fill the void.

Strengthening defence should be the mantra for every NHL General Manager, including the Edmonton Oilers' Stan Bowman. According to recent reports, it sounds like he is trying to do just that. Radko Gudas, a gritty veteran defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks could be the solution the Oilers are seeking. According to sources, Gudas has emerged on the Oilers radar heading into training camp.

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Radko Gudas is a 6-foot 208 lbs right-handed defenseman currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks. He had 18 points in 66 games last season playing top-four minutes. Gudas averaged the third most minutes on the Ducks with 19:30 a game. Only Jamie Drysdale (21:35) and Cam Fowler (24:25) played more than him. He had the best dangerous fenwick for percentage (DFF%) on the Ducks blue line with 48.2%. Considering that the Ducks were one of the worst teams in the league, this number shouldn't be a red flag.

Gudas is also a wrecking ball. The defender might not be the most towering defender, but he's more than willing to throw his body around. In 2023-24 he threw 232 hits. That was 120 more hits than the next defender for the Ducks.

Gudas also had a very strong season with an abysmal Anaheim Ducks team. The Ducks had a -91 goal differential during the 2023-24 regular seasons, one of the worst in the NHL. Gudas on the other hand, was a +14 rating on the ice. The Oilers should strongly consider pulling the trigger on Gudas ASAP, or the Oilers D-core could be in big trouble.

source: The Hockey NewsOilers Need to Trade For Defender With Edge

Previously on Oilers Insider

What will Connor McDavid's contract extension look like?

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