Ducks' Radko Gudas Suspended 5 Games for Injuring Auston Matthews

The NHL's Department of Player Safety cited Gudas's history of suspensions in handing down the punishment.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:05am

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Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas has been suspended for 5 games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety following an incident that resulted in a season-ending injury to Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews. This is the fourth suspension of Gudas's career, with his last one coming 7 years ago.

Why it matters

Gudas's suspension highlights the NHL's continued efforts to crack down on dangerous plays that put star players at risk of serious injury. Matthews' season-ending injury is a significant blow to the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes, underscoring the high stakes involved when players engage in reckless behavior on the ice.

The details

In its explanation of the suspension, the Department of Player Safety said that Gudas was 'in control of this play' and that the contact leading to Matthews' injury 'cannot be excused as a play in which evasive or sudden movements by either player are the primary cause of a knee-on-knee contact'.

  • The incident occurred during a recent game between the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • On Friday, Auston Matthews was ruled out for the entire season due to the injury sustained in the incident.
  • Gudas's suspension was announced on March 14, 2026.

The players

Radko Gudas

The captain of the Anaheim Ducks who has now been suspended 4 times in his NHL career.

Auston Matthews

The star forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who suffered a season-ending injury as a result of the incident with Gudas.

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What they’re saying

“'Gudas is in control of this play. We acknowledge Gudas's assertion that he is attempting to make a full-body check and prevent a goal. But this contact cannot be excused as a play in which evasive or sudden movements by either player are the primary cause of a knee-on-knee contact.'”

— NHL Department of Player Safety (NHL)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This suspension highlights the NHL's continued efforts to prioritize player safety and crack down on dangerous plays that put star players at risk of serious injury, even for repeat offenders like Gudas who have a history of suspensions.