Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Injured in Knee-on-Knee Hit

Gudas' dangerous play forces Matthews to exit game against Ducks

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the violent collision between two hockey players, with sharp planes of color and form conveying the impact and chaos of the moment.A cubist interpretation of the brutal knee-on-knee hit that sidelined Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, raising renewed concerns about player safety in the NHL.Anaheim Today

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews suffered a devastating knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks player Radko Gudas during the second period of their game, forcing Matthews to exit the contest. The hit was a brutal one, leaving Matthews unable to continue playing. This is not the first time Gudas has been involved in a dangerous play, as he previously hit Canadian captain Sidney Crosby during the Olympics, ending Crosby's tournament.

Why it matters

The incident raises serious concerns about player safety in the NHL and the league's approach to addressing dangerous hits. While hockey is a physical sport, the well-being of the athletes should be the top priority. Incidents like this force the league to reevaluate the boundaries of acceptable play and continue efforts to create a safer environment for players.

The details

The hit occurred as Matthews was navigating through the slot, with Gudas striking him directly on his left leg. The severity of the impact was immediately apparent as Matthews remained on the ice, unable to continue. Prior to the hit, Matthews had been on a 12-game goal drought, but earlier in the second period, he had snapped that streak with a power-play goal, his 27th of the season.

  • The incident occurred during the second period of the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks on April 10, 2026.
  • Prior to the hit, Matthews had scored a power-play goal earlier in the second period, breaking a 12-game goal drought.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a star player who was forced to exit the game due to the knee-on-knee hit.

Radko Gudas

A player for the Anaheim Ducks who delivered the dangerous knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews, resulting in a major penalty and game misconduct.

Sidney Crosby

The Canadian captain who was previously hit by Radko Gudas during the Olympics, ending his tournament.

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What’s next

The NHL will likely review the incident and determine if further disciplinary action is warranted against Radko Gudas for the dangerous hit on Auston Matthews. The league will also need to continue its efforts to prioritize player safety and address the ongoing challenge of balancing physicality and player well-being in the sport.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about player safety in the NHL and the need for the league to take stronger measures to protect its athletes. While hockey is a physical sport, the well-being of the players should be the top priority, and the league must continue to reevaluate its approach to addressing dangerous hits and ensuring a safer environment for all participants.