The Anaheim Ducks named veteran defenseman Radko Gudas as their captain Thursday, their first since franchise star Ryan Getzlaf retired after the 2021-22 season. Gudas, 34, becomes the ninth captain in the Ducks’ history,

The Anaheim Ducks have named veteran defender Radko Gudas as the ninth captain in franchise history. He’ll succeed Ducks legend Ryan Getzlaf in the role, becoming the first to wear Anaheim’s ’C’ since Getzlaf’s retirement in 2022.

I am honored to be named captain of the Anaheim Ducks and lead our team into an exciting era,” Gudas said in a news release. “The trust put in me by (Ducks GM Pat Verbeek), our management, coaches and my teammates is something I take with pride.