Maple Leafs Star Auston Matthews Injured in Knee-on-Knee Hit

Matthews left Thursday's game against the Ducks after a collision with Radko Gudas.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:06am

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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews left Thursday night's game against the Anaheim Ducks after taking a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. Matthews was trying to make a move around Gudas in the slot in the second period when the collision occurred, leaving Matthews down on the ice before being helped to the locker room.

Why it matters

Matthews is a star player for the Maple Leafs and a key member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team. Any significant injury to Matthews would be a major blow to the Leafs' playoff hopes and the U.S. national team's chances at the upcoming Olympics.

The details

Trying to make a move around Gudas in the slot in the second period, Matthews took a direct blow to his left leg and crashed to the ice. He stayed down on the ice before being helped off by trainers.

  • The incident occurred during the second period of Thursday's game between the Maple Leafs and Ducks.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a star player for the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Radko Gudas

A defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who was involved in the knee-on-knee collision with Auston Matthews.

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What’s next

The Maple Leafs will provide an update on the severity of Matthews' injury in the coming days. If it is serious, it could impact his availability for the upcoming Olympics.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and dangers that star players face in the NHL, and the potential impact an injury to a player like Auston Matthews could have on both his team's and his country's playoff and Olympic hopes.