Fan favorite Radko Gudas will be back with the Tampa Bay Lightning next season, as the team announced that it has signed the young defender to a three year contract extension. After being drafted in the third round of the 2010 entry draft, the 22-year-old right-handed blueliner has skyrocketed up the Lightning depth chart and all the way onto the National Hockey League roster.

With confidence from head coach Jon Cooper and a good understanding of the game, Gudas is filled with unlimited potential. Young, smart, physical defenders don't grow on trees; the Lightning's scouting and development staff deserves a ton of credit for finding Gudas and turning him into a feared player at the NHL level.

Since departing the Western Hockey League to join the professional ranks back in 2010, Gudas has done nothing but succeed in every facet of the game. Witnessing a young player who sees the ice so well is an absolute treat; his understanding of the game’s nuances is something to behold.

Not only is Gudas’ game incredibly solid and mature, but he’s a proven winner as well. He was a big part of the Norfolk Admirals team of two seasons ago that went on an unprecedented winning streak and ended up winning the Calder Cup. His steady defensive presence was always counted on by then Admirals head coach Jon Cooper. That experience and knowledge of what it takes to win could prove to be invaluable as the Lightning try to move into Stanley Cup contention.

The evolution of Radko Gudas into a blossoming NHL star is proof that general manager Steve Yzerman and his staff are doing something right. After spending years in the Czech hockey system, Gudas’ game has really flourished in the Lightning organization. While he’s far from an offensive machine, having tallied two goals and five points in 22 career NHL contests, he does have the capabilities necessary to move the puck with speed and precision. On a team that already boasts Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman and a plethora of other young players, Gudas will just be another cog in what is shaping up to be an incredibly impressive machine.

While fans outside of Tampa may not know his name quite yet, they soon will. By the time next season is over, most of the National Hockey League will have learned to fear the beard. Gudas is, and will continue to be, a physical threat on a nightly basis.

As always, thanks for reading.

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