When Zac Rinaldo was traded to the Boston Bruins for a third-round pick there were some mixed reactions from Philly fans, but it was generally met with support and excitement.
As much as he brought ferocity, energy, and physicality to the game, he was not an asset to the team. He was taking too many penalties and seemed to spend more time in the box than on the ice. Receiving a third-round pick for Rinaldo was an enormous return for that kind of player.
But would his presence be missed? Who will bring the grit?
When the Flyers first introduced to Radko Gudas in his first few games on the ice, speculation of him being the "new Rinaldo" began to emerge. Can Radko Gudas be compared to Zac Rinaldo?
The answer is a defining no. Although Gudas brings the same tenacity and willingness to punish opponents, he is so much more than that. He is an asset, not a liability.
Acquired by Philadelphia in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning for Braydon Coburn, Gudas was essentially included as a side piece in the deal. At 6'0", 204 pounds, Gudas is a powerful hitter. He is number one in the league for hits from a defenseman. Any fan in attendance at Wells Fargo Center for a game knows first-hand the fierceness Gudas exudes.
He has had several questionable hits this season — one on Viktor Stalberg of the New York Rangers, the other on Scottie Upshall of the Florida Panthers. Neither was reviewed for a suspension.
Gudas got away with a warning for the hit on Upshall. Gudas lifted Carl Soderberg of the Colorado Avalanche off his feet and slammed him to the ice due to frustration during a 4-0 loss for a roughing call.
Rinaldo took many harsh hits due to frustration, but he took too many. They lead to unnecessary penalties. Gudas obviously brings physicality, but that is not all he has to offer.
He is exciting. He brings energy. He has talent. In the last five games he has had over 20 minutes of ice time. His right-handed slap shot was clocked over 100 miles per hour. From the blue line, he can whirl the puck in the zone fast. When Gudas has the puck, he can do something. He takes shots. Fans rarely expected that from Rinaldo.
Expect to see energy from Gudas, but let’s not call him the "new Rinaldo." He is making his own mark, and it’s not just that talked about mustache, and proving he is a good fit in Philadelphia.
Denise Mroz is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow her on Twitter @denisemroz10.
