Auston Matthews’ Season Ends After Knee Injury in Collision with Radko Gudas

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season after suffering a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion in a collision with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas on March 12, 2026. The injury occurred during a 6-4 win for the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.

Details of the Injury

Matthews was injured in the second period when attempting to evade a hit from Gudas. He immediately fell to the ice in pain and was helped off by a trainer and teammate Brandon Carlo, unable to put significant weight on his left leg. An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury, requiring season-ending surgery. ESPN and Hockey Patrol reported on the injury and subsequent surgery.

Gudas Suspended Five Games

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Radko Gudas for five games for the knee-on-knee hit. The suspension was determined after a phone hearing, which limits the maximum penalty that could be imposed. Hockey Patrol noted that an in-person hearing would have allowed for a longer suspension. Judd Moldaver, Matthews’ agent, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the NHL’s decision, calling the five-game suspension “laughable and preposterous” and suggesting the Player Safety Department itself should be suspended. ESPN reported on Moldaver’s statement.

Impact on the Maple Leafs

Matthews had recorded 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 60 games this season. The Maple Leafs (29-28-12) are currently 14 points behind the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs. The loss of their captain and leading scorer significantly impacts their playoff chances.

Matthews’ Injury History

This marks the second consecutive season Matthews will miss significant time due to injury. He missed 15 games last season with upper-body injuries and has also missed games in the 2022-23 and 2021-22 seasons. He has not played a full 82-game season since his rookie year in 2016-17.

Recovery Timeline

Matthews is expected to undergo a 12-week recovery period. This timeline makes a return to play during the playoffs unlikely unless the Maple Leafs experience a prolonged playoff run. CBC reported that Matthews will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

NHL Player Safety Response

NHL head of player safety, George Parros, defended the five-game suspension, stating the league followed its standard process and evaluated the play, not the player’s history. CBC detailed Parros’ comments at the league’s annual general manager meetings.