March 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) looks on injured Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) after sustaining a knee-to-knee injury during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Image Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas was suspended five games for a knee-jerk hit that injured Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews on Thursday night.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced the decision Friday following a telephone hearing with Gudas. The maximum suspension that could be received through a telephone hearing was five games.
The Maple Leafs announced Friday morning that Matthews will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a Grade 3 tear of his medial collateral ligament.
In its ruling, the Office of Player Safety ruled that “Gudas’ act of putting forward his knee to defend Matthews, making strong, direct contact with Matthews and causing Matthews to fall to the ice was ‘kneeling.’”
“It is important to note that Gudas was in control of this play. We accept his assertion that he made a body check and was trying to prevent a goal. However, this contact cannot be excused as a play where evasion or sudden movement by both players was the primary cause of the knee-to-knee contact.
“If he wants to take this hit, the onus is on Gudas to make sure he takes an approach that allows him to make a legitimate body check. Instead, Gudas, who led with his knees out and now lined up outside of Matthews’ core, leaned into contact with Matthews in a way that resulted in a powerful, dangerous and direct knee-to-knee collision.”
Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, was not pleased that Gudas was suspended for just five games. Moldaver told The Athletic, “In light of the obvious seriousness of the game, I am extremely disappointed and shocked that the league allowed such a ruling. A telephone hearing and five games is ridiculous and outrageous. Hearing procedures are pre-established in the CBA, but the lack of further discipline is a reckless and outrageous stance for player safety.”
“This decision further destroys confidence in the disciplinary process for all players. Players and fans deserve better. The player safety department must be stopped.”
Gudas was credited with a big penalty and a game misconduct for what Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube called “dirty play” after Toronto’s 6-4 home win.
The incident occurred at 15:47 of the second period when Matthews took a direct hit to his left leg and fell to the ice. The Toronto captain did not return after being helped to the locker room.
Ducks coach Joel Quenneville said there was “no premeditation” behind Gudas’ actions, despite comments the 35-year-old blueliner made before the game.
“We should have been ahead of that,” Gudas said after Thursday morning’s skate. “We’ve got to make sure he’s not taking up space in the middle of the ice and not making his night enjoyable.”
Gudas has two goals, 11 assists and 45 penalty minutes in 52 games this season, his 14th season in the NHL and third in Anaheim. This is Gudas’ fifth suspension (26 games) in his career.
Matthews, 28, scored his 27th goal of the season in the second quarter, five minutes before Gudas’ hit. The gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey captain had 53 points in 60 games this season, his 10th for Toronto.
–Field level media
