BREAKING: Auston Matthews Out for Season with Grade 3 MCL Tear After Radko Gudas Hit
The Toronto Maple Leafs have suffered a devastating blow. Captain Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season after sustaining a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion.
Auston Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion, according to the #leafs. He's due to be evaluated again in two weeks, but is done for the season.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 13, 2026
The injury occurred during the second period of Thursday night's 6-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, the direct result of a knee-on-knee collision with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.
Source: Auston Matthews @ Elite Prospects
Here is the latest on the Auston Matthews injury update:
- The Incident: Midway through the second period, Matthews attempted to sidestep Gudas in the slot. Gudas extended his leg, catching Matthews with a heavy knee-on-knee hit. Matthews remained on the ice in visible agony before being assisted to the locker room by the medical staff.
- The Fallout: Gudas was immediately assessed a five-minute major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct. The NHL Department of Player Safety has scheduled a hearing for Gudas, who faces a suspension of up to five games.
- The Timeline: The Maple Leafs have officially confirmed the season-ending diagnosis. A further medical update on Matthews' rehabilitation process will be provided in two weeks.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 13, 2026
The timing is especially brutal for Toronto. Just minutes prior to the catastrophic hit, Matthews had scored a power-play goal to snap a frustrating 12-game goal drought. Now, the franchise must navigate the remainder of the year without their captain and primary offensive engine.
Gudas has received 5 games for his actions
Radko Gudas gets a five-game suspension for kneeing Auston Matthews from @NHLPlayerSafety.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 14, 2026
The #leafs just announced that Matthews is done for the season as a result of that hit.
Auston Matthews agent had the following to say:
Asked Auston Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver about his response to the ruling.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 14, 2026
Here is his reply:
“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 5 games is laughable and preposterous.
While…
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