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 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews left Thursday night's game against the Anaheim Ducks after a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. Matthews was trying to make a move around Gudas in the slot when he took a direct blow to his left leg and crashed to the ice. He stayed down before being helped to the locker room.

Why it matters

Matthews is a star player for the Maple Leafs and his injury could have major implications for the team's playoff hopes. Gudas has a history of controversial hits, including one that ended Canadian captain Sidney Crosby's Olympics, so this incident has raised concerns about player safety.

The details

Gudas was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for the hit on Matthews. Matthews had snapped a 12-game goal drought earlier in the period on a power play. He has 27 goals and 26 assists in 60 games this season.

  • The incident occurred in the second period of Thursday night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a star player in the NHL.

Radko Gudas

A defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who has a history of controversial hits, including one that ended Canadian captain Sidney Crosby's Olympics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will provide an update on the severity of Matthews' injury in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about player safety in the NHL, particularly when it comes to controversial hits from players like Radko Gudas. The Maple Leafs will be hoping Matthews' injury is not too serious as they push for a playoff spot.