NHL Under Fire for Radko Gudas Punishment After 'Dirty' Auston Matthews Hit

The league's decision to not hold an in-person hearing with the repeat offender has angered fans across the NHL.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:51pm

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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews had to be helped off the ice after taking a knee-to-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas. Gudas was given a five-minute major and game misconduct, but the NHL's decision to not hold an in-person hearing with the repeat offender has sparked outrage among hockey fans who believe the punishment will be too lenient.

Why it matters

Gudas has a history of dirty hits and suspensions, and the NHL's handling of this latest incident raises concerns about the league's commitment to player safety and accountability for repeat offenders.

The details

Video of the play showed clear knee-to-knee contact between Gudas and Matthews. Gudas has been suspended four times in the past for headshots, slashes, and high-sticking. The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced that Gudas will have a hearing, but it will not be an in-person meeting, meaning the suspension cannot exceed five games.

  • The incident occurred during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.
  • The NHL announced Gudas will have a hearing on Friday to determine his punishment.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a gold medal-winning star for the United States Olympic team.

Radko Gudas

The captain of the Anaheim Ducks who has a history of dirty hits and suspensions in the NHL.

Craig Berube

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs who called Gudas' hit on Matthews a "dirty play".

Joel Quenneville

The head coach of the Anaheim Ducks who said the hit was just a "split-second move" and "reflexes" by Gudas.

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What they’re saying

“It was a tough penalty. It was a penalty. I'm not complaining about the call. There was no premeditation. It was just reflexes (that) did it. … I'll leave it up to them (the NHL's Department of Player Safety). I don't know. But I know it's just one of those split-second moves. We'll see.”

— Joel Quenneville, Head Coach, Anaheim Ducks (Newsweek)

What’s next

The NHL's Department of Player Safety will determine the length of Radko Gudas' suspension following their hearing on Friday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the NHL's ongoing struggle to address dangerous and repeat offenders, as well as the need for stronger discipline to protect player safety and uphold the integrity of the game.