Maple Leafs Star Auston Matthews Undergoes Knee Surgery

The 28-year-old captain will need 12 weeks to recover from a torn MCL.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:10am

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Toronto Maple Leafs star center Auston Matthews underwent surgery to repair a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The injury occurred during a game against the Anaheim Ducks on March 12 when Matthews took a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, who was suspended five games for the incident. Matthews is expected to need around 12 weeks to recover from the surgery, which took place in New York.

Why it matters

Matthews is one of the NHL's biggest stars, having won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP in the 2021-22 season. The Maple Leafs will be without their captain and leading scorer for an extended period as they push for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season.

The details

Matthews scored a goal in the 6-4 win over the Ducks before leaving the game with the knee injury. He finishes the season with 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 60 games. Matthews has been named to the NHL All-Star Game seven times, winning MVP honors in 2024.

  • Matthews was injured during the second period of the Maple Leafs' game against the Anaheim Ducks on March 12, 2026.
  • The surgery took place in New York on March 16, 2026.

The players

Auston Matthews

A 28-year-old center and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is one of the NHL's biggest stars, having won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP in 2021-22.

Radko Gudas

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

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What’s next

The Maple Leafs will have to navigate the final weeks of the regular season without their star center as he recovers from surgery. The team's playoff hopes could hinge on how they perform in Matthews' absence.

The takeaway

Auston Matthews' knee injury is a significant blow to the Maple Leafs, who will miss their captain and leading scorer for an extended period. The team's ability to stay in playoff position without Matthews will be crucial, as the 28-year-old is one of the NHL's premier players.