Anaheim’s Radko Gudas has returned from his lower body injury and will play tonight against Toronto, reported by David Alter of The Hockey News.
The defenseman got into two games after his suspension for a controversial knee-on-knee hit which ended superstar Auston Matthews’ season, before his own injury cost him Saturday’s action, a loss to the Oilers.
At 35 years old, Gudas’ ice time has dipped to 16:28 in 2025-26, the lowest of his career, but he’s surprisingly posting a 52.6% corsi for at five-on-five, unexpected for most comparable players, and his best as a Duck.
For somebody so often in the headlines, Gudas has just 45 penalty minutes in 54 games, nowhere near his 128 two seasons ago. That number will probably rise tonight though, as there will be some fireworks as he’ll face the ire of the Maple Leafs. Likely not yet 100%, the veteran is ready to answer the bell, which is commendable.
A third pairing defender who chips in on the penalty kill, the Czech native’s Ducks are essentially a lock for the postseason, where he’ll be eager to add to his 57 career playoff games prior to free agency this summer.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas didn’t skate today and will be missing time after colliding with former teammate Nic Dowd Saturday against Vegas, reported by Sammi Silber of The Hockey News. Barring some sort of miracle, Washington will miss the playoffs for just the second time since 2014. After bursting onto the scene last year where he jumped from six to 30 goals, Protas was on course with a disappointing season for the Caps, so far potting 23 and a total of 47 points in 70 games in 2025-26. The power forward still has strong possession metrics, as his shooting percentage dipped from 21% to 15.6%. Just 25, the Belarus native is still a huge part of the Caps’ future. He should return at some point before the team completes their eight remaining regular season games. Until then, Connor McMichael gets a look on the top line, another promising young player who took a step back this year.
- Senators top defenseman Jake Sanderson skated today but is still not ready for tomorrow’s game against Florida, per Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Citizen. The 23-year-old hasn’t played since March 7 after a shoulder injury, leaving Ottawa to fend without their #1 minute eater, who averages just under 25 minutes a night. Impressively they’ve offered a 7-3-1 record in that time, accumulating points and still fighting for Wild Card berth. Ottawa is currently two points below, but with one game fewer than their competition above. Considering the circumstances, it’s difficult to imagine he won’t be back patrolling the blue line by next Thursday as they’ll host Buffalo. Sanderson has been elite this year with 48 points in 62 games, as he continues to rise as one of the league’s best defensemen.
I don’t think they should, but I’d be surprised if noone on Toronto goes after Gudas tonight. They might feel a longer suspension would have been fairer. The refs should be on alert. I agree that there may be fireworks.