Ducks' Radko Gudas Suspended 5 Games for Injuring Leafs' Auston Matthews

NHL Department of Player Safety cites knee-on-knee hit that sidelined Toronto captain for rest of season.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:19am

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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas has been suspended five games by the NHL for his knee-on-knee hit that injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. The league's Department of Player Safety announced the suspension after a phone hearing with Gudas.

Why it matters

Gudas' hit on Matthews, one of the league's top players, has drawn widespread attention and criticism, raising concerns about player safety and the NHL's approach to policing dangerous plays. The suspension will keep Gudas off the ice for a significant stretch, underscoring the league's efforts to crack down on reckless conduct that leads to serious injuries.

The details

In the incident, Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit on Matthews during a game, causing the Leafs captain to suffer a season-ending injury. The league determined that Gudas' actions warranted a five-game suspension, the maximum allowed for a phone hearing rather than an in-person review.

  • The incident occurred during a game on March 12, 2026.

The players

Radko Gudas

A defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who was suspended for a knee-on-knee hit that injured Auston Matthews.

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs who suffered a season-ending injury as a result of Gudas' hit.

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What they’re saying

“We must protect our players from dangerous and reckless plays that put their health and safety at risk.”

— George Parros, NHL Department of Player Safety Director (smdailyjournal.com)

What’s next

The Ducks will be without Gudas for the next five games as he serves his suspension, a significant blow to their playoff hopes.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the NHL's ongoing efforts to address player safety concerns, particularly when it comes to hits that target the knees and put star players at risk of serious injury. The league's swift action in suspending Gudas sends a clear message that such dangerous plays will not be tolerated.