Panthers trade A.J. Greer rights to Anaheim for Radko Gudas

The Florida Panthers and Anaheim Ducks completed a rights swap today, with Florida sending the signing rights to A.J. Greer to Anaheim in exchange for the rights to defenseman Radko Gudas.

Per insider Frank Seravalli, both players become unrestricted free agents Wednesday at noon ET unless a deal is signed before then.

That deadline is the whole story. Rights mean nothing without a contract.

Greer, 29, was one of the quiet value plays in Florida this season, putting up 17 goals and 15 assists in 78 games on a $850,000 cap hit.

He finished the year at +14 and put together a legitimate hot streak to close out the regular season, going 4-4-8 with a +9 rating over his final 10 games.

For Anaheim, that profile fits. Joel Quenneville's Ducks finished 43-33-6 this year, ranked 17th overall, and they can use a physical, productive winger in that bottom-six role without stressing the cap.

Florida goes after a veteran shutdown defender with a $4M cap hit

Gudas is a different animal entirely. The 36-year-old blueliner posted 2 goals and 11 assists in 56 games with Anaheim this season at a $4,000,000 cap hit.

His numbers were modest down the stretch, going pointless in his last 5 games, but that's not why Florida wants him.

Gudas is an enforcer type who brings physicality, edge, and playoff experience. Paul Maurice has always valued that profile on his blue line.

The Panthers ranked 25th overall this season at 40-38-4, and their defensive depth was exposed all year, allowing 276 goals against.

A right-shot defender who skates on the edge and isn't afraid to use his body is exactly the kind of depth signing Bill Zito was looking for.

The gap in cap hits here is notable. Greer cost $850,000. Gudas costs $4,000,000. Florida is paying up for the veteran presence.

The real question now is whether either side gets ink on paper before Wednesday noon. Greer's production at that price point means he has real leverage on the open market.