Maple Leafs Coach Calls Gudas Hit on Matthews "Dirty Play"

Berube expects suspension after Gudas' knee-on-knee collision with star player Matthews

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube called Radko Gudas' hit on Auston Matthews a "dirty play" and expects the NHL to hand down a suspension following the knee-on-knee collision that resulted in Matthews leaving the game with an injury.

Why it matters

Auston Matthews is a superstar player for the Maple Leafs, so any significant injury to him would be a major blow to the team's playoff hopes. Gudas has a history of questionable hits, so this incident adds to concerns about player safety and the league's ability to properly discipline repeat offenders.

The details

The hit occurred in the second period with the Ducks leading 3-2. Matthews had just scored a power-play goal to cut the deficit when Gudas delivered the knee-on-knee hit, forcing Matthews to leave the game. The Maple Leafs capitalized on the resulting five-minute major penalty, scoring twice to take the lead and eventually win 6-4.

  • The hit occurred in the second period on March 13, 2026.
  • The NHL announced Gudas will have a hearing on the same day regarding the incident.

The players

Craig Berube

Head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Auston Matthews

Star center for the Toronto Maple Leafs who was injured on the hit by Radko Gudas.

Radko Gudas

Defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who delivered the knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dirty play. League's going to obviously look at it and see what the suspension will be or whatever happens.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, Toronto Maple Leafs (Associated Press)

What’s next

The NHL Department of Player Safety will determine if Radko Gudas will face a suspension for the hit on Auston Matthews, with a decision expected before the Ducks' next game against the Ottawa Senators.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the NHL faces in protecting its star players from dangerous and reckless hits, as well as the need for the league to consistently enforce suspensions on repeat offenders like Radko Gudas in order to improve player safety across the league.