The Anaheim Ducks have announced two significant roster changes ahead of their matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. The team has activated center Ryan Strome from injured reserve, while defenseman Radko Gudas has been placed on IR to create space for Strome on the active roster.
Strome missed the beginning of the season due to an upper-body injury that he sustained during preseason practice. Last season was productive for the 32-year-old, who recorded 41 points for the third consecutive year, including 10 goals and 31 assists in 82 games, averaging over 16 minutes of ice time per game as a key middle-six center.
This season, Strome is expected to face stiff competition for playing time, as Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish are anticipated to take on primary center roles, along with Mikael Granlund when he returns from injury. This could potentially shift Strome to a wing position, which may better suit his strengths considering his recent challenges at the faceoff dot; he had a win rate of just 41.7% last season. Nevertheless, Strome’s return is expected to bolster a Ducks offense that has already been impressive, currently ranking among the top in the NHL with the second-most goals scored this season.
On the injury front, Gudas has been sidelined for over two weeks with a lower-body injury. If his IR placement is back-dated, he could be activated as soon as he receives medical clearance. The experienced 35-year-old has participated in seven games so far this season, contributing two assists, 12 blocked shots, and 23 hits, averaging 15 minutes and 35 seconds of ice time per game.
The Ducks look to utilize Strome’s return effectively as they aim to maintain their offensive momentum in the competitive NHL landscape.