Western Conference Captain Reportedly Headed for Surgery

It has been a difficult season to date for Anaheim Ducks captain and veteran defenseman Radko Gudas. Unlike last year, when he was a steadying influence on the blue line, Gudas has clearly struggled to bring that same type of play.

During the 2023-24 season, he played a key role in easing rookie defenseman Jackson LaCombe into the NHL, playing as a steady partner who added experience and poise to the ice.

Yet this season, the equation has flipped, and LaCombe has turned out to be the top dog in their pairing.

LaCombe became even more of a presence, to the point where teammate Alex Killorn referred to him as a "one-man breakout," complimenting the young defenseman on his ability to bring the puck up the ice with such ease and swagger.

There might have been some reason for Gudas' down season unveiled in recent times. Czech publication Sport.cz cited journalist Robert Sara on Friday that Gudas will be having an operation once the Ducks' 2024-25 campaign is completed.

Although information on the injury hasn't been unveiled yet, such as when it occurred and how grave it is, the necessity for surgery means that it is some sort of serious issue.

Because of this injury and the procedure that is soon to come, Gudas will not be playing for Czechia at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

This will be a big loss, given the national team will be seeking to defend its title after capturing gold on home ice in 2024.