Auston Matthews to Miss Remainder of Season with Torn MCL

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the NHL season after suffering a Grade 3 medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear in his left knee during a game against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The injury occurred during the second period of Toronto’s 6-4 victory when Matthews was hit knee-on-knee by Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.

Details of the Injury

The Maple Leafs announced Friday night that Matthews also sustained a bruised quadriceps muscle in the incident. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, but the team confirmed he will not return this season. The injury occurred as Matthews attempted a move around Gudas in the slot, resulting in a direct blow to his left leg. He was helped off the ice and did not return to the game.

Gudas Faces Potential Suspension

Radko Gudas was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit. He is facing a potential suspension of up to five games, as he had a phone hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Friday. Gudas has a history of delivering impactful, and sometimes controversial, hits, including one that ended Sidney Crosby’s participation in the recent Milan Cortina Olympics.

Reactions to the Hit

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube described the hit as “dirty” on Thursday night, stating the league would review the play and determine an appropriate course of action. Toronto winger Matthew Knies noted Gudas’s history of similar plays. Ducks coach Joel Quenneville defended Gudas, attributing the hit to reflexes and a lack of premeditation.

Matthews’ Season Performance

Prior to the injury, Matthews had 27 goals and 26 assists in 60 games this season. He had ended a 12-game goal drought earlier in the game against the Ducks with a power-play goal.

Gudas’s History

According to reports, Gudas has been suspended four times previously for dangerous hits or illegal stick work, totaling 21 games and over $750,000 in forfeited salary.