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Auston Matthews Out for Season After Injury from Gudas Hit

3/14/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs will miss remainder of the 2025-26 season after a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion from a knee-on-knee hit by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.
The hit occurred in the second period of a 6-4 Leafs win on March 12, 2026.
Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension for the hit.
Matthews had 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, the NHL introduced stricter player safety rules, including updates to boarding and illegal hits to the head, following a rise in concussions and injuries. The Department of Player Safety suspended 30 players for a total of 150 games that season. This shift reflects ongoing concerns about player welfare and has significantly influenced league policies and player conduct in subsequent years.

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Story summary

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs will miss remainder of the 2025-26 season after a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion from a knee-on-knee hit by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.
The hit occurred in the second period of a 6-4 Leafs win on March 12, 2026.
Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension for the hit.
Matthews had 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games.

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