Leafs star Matthews (knee) injured in 'dirty play'

Summary

Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs' captain, was injured during a game against the Anaheim Ducks after a knee-on-knee hit from defenseman Radko Gudas. The incident occurred in the first period, leading to Matthews' immediate departure from the game.

Knee-on-knee collisions are known for their potential severity, often resulting in significant injuries that can impact a player's season and team performance. The implications of this injury on Matthews' availability for upcoming games remain uncertain.

This incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding player safety in the NHL, particularly concerning the enforcement of penalties for dangerous plays. The league's response to such collisions may influence future game strategies and player conduct.

Key Facts

Fact	Value
Primary source	ESPN
Source count	3
First published	2026-03-13T14:59:58.000Z

Updates

Update at 15:09 UTC on 2026-03-14

ESPN reported Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has a torn MCL in his left knee and will miss the rest of the NHL season.

Sources: ESPN

Update at 03:06 UTC on 2026-03-15

ESPN reported The Maple Leafs believe the NHL didn't go far enough in punishing Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas for the hit that ended Auston Matthews' season.

Sources: ESPN