Ducks Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Gudas Suspension, Carlson Debut and More – The Hockey Writers – Anaheim Ducks

Here is a look at the key storylines surrounding the Anaheim Ducks right now, along with their upcoming schedule as they make a major push toward the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Captain Radko Gudas Suspended for Five Games

The most heavily discussed topic surrounding the Ducks right now is the five-game suspension handed to captain Radko Gudas. During Thursday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit to Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion, ending his season.

Because Gudas had a phone hearing rather than an in-person Zoom hearing, the suspension was capped at five games. He will forfeit over $104,000 in salary and will be out of the lineup until March 24. The relatively short suspension has drawn massive ire from Toronto’s head coach Craig Berube and the wider hockey community, keeping the Ducks in the national spotlight.

John Carlson’s Debut and Blue Line Reinforcements

The Ducks recently made a massive splash at the trade deadline, acquiring veteran defenseman and Stanley Cup champion John Carlson from the Washington Capitals for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick. Carlson had been sidelined with a lower-body injury since early February but finally made his highly anticipated Ducks debut on Sunday, March 15, in a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. With Gudas suspended for the week, Carlson’s veteran presence on the right side of the defense will be critical.

Taking the Top Spot in the Pacific Division

The Ducks are currently battling the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot in the Pacific Division. Following Cutter Gauthier’s dramatic late game-winning goal against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night, the Ducks moved back into first place. The team is looking to end a seven-year playoff drought (dating back to 2018), and their recent 7-3-0 run over their last 10 games has Anaheim fans buzzing about a legitimate postseason run.

Ducks Upcoming Schedule

The Ducks have a relatively light schedule over the next seven days, featuring two home games at the Honda Center and one road trip to Salt Lake City. This lighter week comes at a perfect time, allowing them to rest up and adjust their defensive pairings while Gudas serves his suspension.

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