Ducks' Radko Gudas handed five-game suspension for kneeing Auston Matthews

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas has been suspended for five games by the NHL Department of Player Safety following a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.[1] The incident occurred during the Maple Leafs’ 6-4 victory over the Ducks on Thursday night, March 12, 2026. Gudas was assessed a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct on the play.[2]

Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion, sidelining him for the remainder of the season with a reevaluation scheduled in two weeks. The Ducks’ captain now forfeits $104,166.67 in salary, directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.[1] A phone hearing limited the maximum suspension to five games, as in-person hearings are required for longer bans.

The play that sparked outrage

In the second period, with 4:13 remaining, Matthews received a pass from William Nylander near the left faceoff circle in Anaheim’s zone. Gudas charged toward him as Matthews tried to stickhandle around the defender. Leading with his left knee, Gudas collided directly with Matthews’ left knee, sending the Leafs star crumpling to the ice in agony.[2]

Matthews needed assistance from an athletic trainer and teammate Brandon Carlo to leave the ice. He had scored earlier in the period, his 27th goal of the season on the power play, snapping a scoring slump. The hit immediately drew boos from the Toronto crowd and a major penalty call on Gudas.

No immediate retaliation came from the Leafs players on the ice, drawing later criticism. The game continued with Toronto securing the win, but the focus quickly shifted to the injury and potential discipline. Video reviews highlighted the forceful nature of the knee contact.

This type of collision has long been scrutinized in the NHL for its injury risk. Officials reviewed the play but upheld the on-ice call initially. The sequence replayed endlessly on social media and broadcasts.

NHL Department of Player Safety’s ruling

The league opted for a phone hearing with Gudas on Friday, capping any suspension at five games. In their explanation, the NHL stated the contact stemmed from Gudas extending his knee and leaning into Matthews outside his core, resulting in a “forceful, dangerous and direct knee-on-knee collision.”[1]

They emphasized that neither player made sudden evasive moves, placing the onus on Gudas for a legal hit. Gudas argued he aimed for a full-body check to prevent a goal. For full details, see the official NHL release.

The decision aligns with phone hearing precedents for similar infractions. Longer bans require in-person appearances. This marks the maximum under the circumstances.

Player Safety announced the ban promptly after the hearing. The fine calculation follows CBA guidelines based on Gudas’ salary.

Fierce reactions from all sides

Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, issued a scathing statement. “In light of the obvious severity of the play, I am very disappointed and shocked that the league would allow for such a ruling. A phone hearing and five games is just laughable and preposterous,” he said. He called for better accountability in the disciplinary process.

Leafs coach Craig Berube labeled it a “dirty play,” expecting league review. Defenseman Morgan Rielly took responsibility for not responding sooner: “It’s on me for not responding earlier to Gudas. Obviously, it’s a dirty hit.”

Ducks coach Joel Quenneville countered there was “no premeditation,” attributing it to “reflexes.” Gudas himself claimed intent to check legally. Toronto media criticized the lack of immediate pushback from teammates.

The backlash extended online, with fans and pundits debating severity. For more on the hit, check ESPN’s coverage here.

Gudas’ track record of discipline

This is Gudas’ fourth NHL suspension, totaling 21 games over 14 seasons. His longest came in 2017 with the Philadelphia Flyers: 10 games for slashing Winnipeg Jets’ Mathieu Perreault in the head.[3]

Other bans include six games in 2016 for a hit on Austin Czarnik, three games in 2015 for an illegal check to Mika Zibanejad’s head, and two games in 2019 for high-sticking Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov.

Gudas has built a reputation as a physical defender. In 52 games this season, he has two goals and 11 assists, averaging 16:39 of ice time.

As Ducks captain, his absence tests leadership depth. Past incidents haven’t deterred his aggressive style.

The league views repeat offenders carefully, though this fell short of a major ban.

Team impacts and road ahead

Toronto loses its captain and leading scorer for the stretch run, a massive blow to playoff hopes. Matthews’ 27 goals in about 60 games underscored his value. Reevaluation in two weeks offers slim hope.

Anaheim must rally without their captain for five games. Gudas’ physical presence is key on the blue line. The Ducks aim to build momentum regardless.

Gudas can appeal to commissioner Gary Bettman, who holds final say. Such appeals rarely succeed but provide recourse.

Both teams face tough schedules ahead. Toronto’s response—or lack thereof—sparks internal questions on toughness.

The incident underscores ongoing debates on player safety versus physicality in hockey.

This suspension highlights tensions in NHL discipline, eroding some trust in the process as voiced by Moldaver. With Gudas appealing possibly, eyes turn to Bettman’s ruling and how teams adapt. Fans and players alike seek consistency to protect stars like Matthews, ensuring the game’s integrity endures.