Maple Leafs Star Auston Matthews Out for Season with MCL Tear

The 28-year-old captain suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and bruised quadriceps in a game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews will miss the rest of the NHL season after suffering a Grade 3 tear in his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a bruised quadriceps during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. Matthews, the 2021-22 NHL MVP, was injured when he took a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, who was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct.

Why it matters

Matthews is one of the NHL's elite players and the Maple Leafs' captain, so his extended absence is a major blow to the team's playoff hopes. The injury also raises concerns about Matthews' long-term health and durability, as he has dealt with several significant injuries over his 10-year career.

The details

Matthews was hurt in the second period of the Maple Leafs' 6-4 win over the Ducks when he took a knee-on-knee hit from Gudas. He remained on the ice in pain before being helped off by trainers. The team said Matthews will be re-evaluated in two weeks, at which point they will provide a further update on his recovery timeline.

  • On March 14, 2026, Matthews suffered the MCL tear and bruised quadriceps in the second period of the Maple Leafs' game against the Anaheim Ducks.
  • Gudas was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit on Matthews.

The players

Auston Matthews

The 28-year-old captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the 2021-22 NHL MVP, who has scored 428 goals and 780 points in 689 regular-season games over 10 seasons with the team.

Radko Gudas

The Anaheim Ducks defenseman who delivered the knee-on-knee hit that injured Matthews.

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What they’re saying

“We must be cautious with Auston's recovery and ensure he is fully healthy before returning to play. His long-term well-being is our top priority.”

— Kyle Dubas, General Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will re-evaluate Matthews in two weeks to provide a further update on his recovery timeline and potential return to play.

The takeaway

Matthews' injury is a significant setback for the Maple Leafs, who will have to find a way to remain competitive in the playoffs without their star center and captain. The team's handling of his recovery will be closely watched, as they balance the need to get him back on the ice with ensuring he is fully healthy to avoid further long-term issues.