Maple Leafs Coach Criticizes NHL Ruling on Auston Matthews Hit

Toronto captain to miss rest of season after dangerous knee-on-knee collision.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:11pm

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The coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Craig Berube, has questioned the NHL's five-game suspension of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas for a dangerous hit that resulted in a season-ending injury to Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and quadriceps contusion after the knee-on-knee collision, and Berube believes the punishment does not fit the consequences of the hit.

Why it matters

The injury to Matthews, one of the league's top players, is a major blow to the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes, as they currently have just 28 wins this season. Berube's criticism of the NHL's disciplinary decision highlights the ongoing debate around player safety and the appropriate punishment for dangerous hits in the sport.

The details

The incident occurred during a game between the Maple Leafs and Ducks, when Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit on Matthews. The on-ice officials assessed Gudas a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct, and the NHL's Department of Player Safety later suspended him for five games. However, Berube believes the punishment does not match the consequences, as the Maple Leafs will now be without their captain for the remainder of the season.

  • The hit occurred during a game between the Maple Leafs and Ducks on March 14, 2026.
  • Matthews was immediately in immense pain and was seen placing little weight on his left leg after the collision.
  • Doctors will re-evaluate Matthews in two weeks, but the team has already ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who suffered a season-ending injury after a dangerous knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas.

Radko Gudas

The Anaheim Ducks defenseman who delivered the knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews, resulting in a five-game suspension from the NHL.

Craig Berube

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who criticized the NHL's disciplinary decision and believes the punishment does not fit the consequences of the hit on his team's captain.

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What they’re saying

“We lose our guy, our captain, for the year. It doesn't seem like enough for me.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, Toronto Maple Leafs

“That was a dirty play. The League's gonna look at it, and see what the suspension will be or whatever happens.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

The NHL's Department of Player Safety will likely face further scrutiny and calls for harsher punishments for dangerous hits that result in significant injuries to star players.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around player safety in the NHL and the need for the league to take a stronger stance on dangerous hits that jeopardize the health and careers of its top players. The Maple Leafs' playoff hopes have taken a major hit with the loss of their captain, underscoring the importance of consistent and appropriate disciplinary measures to deter such reckless plays.