NHL Fails to Discipline Ducks' Radko Gudas After Injuring Maple Leafs Star

The league's player safety department only gave Gudas a five-game suspension for his knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews, drawing criticism from the Leafs' player agent.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Following Radko Gudas' knee-on-knee hit that caused a season-ending injury to Toronto Maple Leafs star center Auston Matthews, the NHL's Department of Player Safety faced criticism for only suspending the Anaheim Ducks defenseman for five games. Gudas, a repeat offender with a history of reckless play, was expected to receive a harsher punishment, but the league's disciplinary action was deemed "laughable and preposterous" by Matthews' agent, Judd Moldaver.

Why it matters

The NHL's failure to set a strong precedent with Gudas' suspension raises concerns about the league's ability to effectively discipline players who engage in dangerous and predatory behavior, putting the health and safety of all NHL players at risk. This decision further erodes confidence in the league's disciplinary process and its commitment to player protection.

The details

Gudas was suspended for five games following his knee-on-knee hit on Matthews, which caused the Leafs star to miss the team's remaining 16 games this season. The agent argued that Gudas, who was suspended twice previously in his career, should have received a significantly longer suspension, perhaps as many as 8-10 games, to truly impact his salary and send a message about the unacceptability of such reckless play.

  • Gudas was suspended for five games on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • The incident occurred earlier in March 2026, causing Matthews to miss the final 16 games of the season.

The players

Radko Gudas

A defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who has a history of suspensions for dangerous and reckless play.

Auston Matthews

The star center for the Toronto Maple Leafs who suffered a season-ending injury due to Gudas' knee-on-knee hit.

Judd Moldaver

The agent for Auston Matthews, who criticized the NHL's disciplinary decision as "laughable and preposterous".

Sidney Crosby

The Team Canada captain who was also recently injured by Gudas during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“In light of the obvious severity of the play, I am disappointed and shocked the league would allow such a ruling. A phone hearing and five games is laughable and preposterous. While the process is set in our CBA, that this was the discipline is reckless and ridiculous. This decision results in a further loss of confidence in the disciplinary process for all players. Players and fans deserve better. The Player Safety Department should be suspended.”

— Judd Moldaver, Auston Matthews' agent

What’s next

The NHL may face further scrutiny and calls for reform of its player safety and disciplinary policies if Gudas continues to engage in reckless behavior that injures other players.

The takeaway

The NHL's failure to impose a stronger punishment on Radko Gudas for his dangerous hit on Auston Matthews raises serious questions about the league's commitment to player safety and its ability to effectively discipline repeat offenders. This decision undermines confidence in the disciplinary process and could embolden other players to engage in similar predatory conduct, putting the health of all NHL players at risk.