Auston Matthews to Miss Remainder of Season with MCL Tear

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season after suffering a Grade 3 medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear and a quad contusion in his left leg 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 at Scotiabank Arena.

Injury Details and Timeline

Matthews sustained the injury in a knee-on-knee collision with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. He was assessed a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct at 15:47 of the second period. The team announced on Friday, March 14, 2026, that Matthews will be re-evaluated in two weeks, but will not return to play this season. NHL.com

Gudas Suspended for Hit on Matthews

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Radko Gudas for five games for the hit on Matthews. ESPN. Gudas has a history of suspensions, including a 10-game ban for a slash across the neck of Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault during the 2017-18 season, as well as penalties for interference, an illegal check to the head and slashing since entering the league in 2012-13.

Maple Leafs’ Reaction and Concerns

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube described the hit as “a dirty play” and expressed concern over the lack of response from his team immediately following the incident. Berube noted that none of the other four Maple Leafs players on the ice confronted Gudas after the hit. NHL.com

Matthews’ Season Statistics and Impact

Prior to the injury, Matthews had 53 points (27 goals and 26 assists) in 60 games this season. He had too recently ended a 12-game goal drought with a power-play goal against the Ducks. ESPN. Matthews is the Maple Leafs’ all-time leading goal scorer with 428 goals and has 352 assists in 689 career regular-season games. He also captained the American men’s hockey team to a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics last month.

Maple Leafs Playoff Outlook

The Maple Leafs currently hold a record of 67 points and are 14th in the 16-team Eastern Conference standings. Matthews’ absence significantly impacts their playoff chances. NHL.com