Radko Gudas Faces Backlash After Injuring Auston Matthews: Suspension Looming?

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas has been suspended five games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for a knee-on-knee hit that severely injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, ending his season. The incident, which occurred during Thursday night’s game, has sparked outrage among fans and raised questions about the league’s disciplinary process.

The hit occurred with less than five minutes remaining in the second period. Matthews, having just snapped a 12-game goalless streak, received a pass from William Nylander and was attempting to handle the puck when Gudas delivered a forceful knee-to-knee collision. Matthews immediately fell to the ice in obvious pain and was helped off by teammates before heading to the locker room.

Subsequent tests revealed a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion, sidelining Matthews for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, according to the Maple Leafs.

Gudas Faces Suspension, Criticism Mounts

The NHL determined that a five-game suspension was appropriate after a phone hearing with Gudas. Suspensions of six games or more require an in-person hearing. Though, the length of the suspension has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, who called the league’s decision “laughable and preposterous.”

“While the hearing process is pre-fixed in our CBA, that there was no further discipline is a reckless and ridiculous position for Player Safety,” Moldaver stated in a statement to ESPN. “This decision results in a further loss of confidence in the disciplinary process for all players. Players and fans deserve better. The Player Safety Department should be suspended.”

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed his frustration with the play, stating, “It was a dirty hit. The league will look at it and we’ll see what happens.” He also noted his disappointment that no immediate retaliation occurred from his team on the ice. Morgan Rielly, a Maple Leafs defenseman who was on the ice at the time of the hit, took responsibility for not immediately responding to the play.

Anaheim Ducks coach Joel Quenneville, however, defended Gudas, characterizing the hit as “just a reflex” and not a premeditated act. Despite Quenneville’s defense, the incident has reignited debate about Gudas’s aggressive playing style and his history of suspensions.

A History of Discipline

This is the fifth suspension of Gudas’s 14-year NHL career, totaling 21 games. He previously received suspensions for high-sticking Nikita Kucherov in 2019 (two games), slashing Mathieu Perreault in 2017 (10 games) and two other prior incidents. This pattern of disciplinary action has led many to question whether Gudas’s on-ice behavior warrants further scrutiny from the league.

The incident also brought back memories of a controversial hit by Gudas on Sidney Crosby during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. While Crosby was not penalized at the time and publicly downplayed the severity of the hit, the event remains a point of contention for some fans.

Impact on the Maple Leafs and the Playoff Race

The loss of Matthews is a significant blow to the Maple Leafs’ playoff hopes. Despite recently ending his goal drought, Matthews remains a key offensive contributor and a leader for the team. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as Toronto battles for positioning in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Maple Leafs were able to rally after the incident, scoring twice on the ensuing power play to overcome a 3-2 deficit and ultimately win the game 6-4, snapping an eight-game winless streak. However, the victory was overshadowed by the severity of Matthews’ injury and the controversy surrounding Gudas’s hit.

What’s Next

Radko Gudas will be eligible to return to the Anaheim Ducks lineup on March 24th, when they face the Vancouver Canucks. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will continue to review the incident, but no further disciplinary action is expected at this time. Auston Matthews will begin his rehabilitation process, with a re-evaluation scheduled in two weeks. The Maple Leafs will need to find a way to overcome the loss of their captain as they push for a playoff berth.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical nature of hockey and the potential for serious injury. It also raises important questions about player safety and the responsibility of the league to protect its stars. The debate surrounding Radko Gudas and his playing style is likely to continue, and the NHL will be under pressure to address concerns about on-ice discipline.

Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the incident and the league’s response in the comments below.