Auston Matthews Out for Season With Grade 3 MCL Tear: NHL Trend Summary
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season after sustaining a severe knee injury during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. The star forward suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear following a knee-on-knee collision with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. This development marks a significant blow to the Maple Leafs as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
TL;DR
- Auston Matthews is officially out for the season with a Grade 3 MCL tear.
- The injury occurred during a knee-to-knee hit by Anaheim’s Radko Gudas on March 12, 2026.
- The NHL Department of Player Safety has scheduled a hearing for Gudas regarding the hit.
- Toronto must now pursue a playoff spot without their leading goal-scorer and captain.
What Happened
The incident took place during the first period of the Toronto Maple Leafs' game against the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim defenseman Radko Gudas initiated a knee-on-knee collision with Auston Matthews, sending the Leafs captain to the ice in visible distress. Matthews left the game immediately and did not return. Medical evaluations performed on March 13, 2026, confirmed the worst-case scenario: a complete rupture of the medial collateral ligament, known as a Grade 3 MCL tear.
It’s a huge loss for our group, obviously. He’s the best player in the world in our eyes.
Key Developments
Following the hit, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Radko Gudas will have a hearing to determine supplementary discipline. While the Maple Leafs managed to win the game and end an eight-game losing streak, the locker room mood was somber. Teammates including William Nylander and Morgan Rielly expressed regret over the team's lack of an immediate physical response on the ice following the hit on their captain.
Why This Matters
The loss of Matthews is catastrophic for Toronto’s postseason aspirations. At the time of the injury, Matthews was the focal point of the team's offense and power play. A Grade 3 MCL tear typically requires a recovery period of 3 to 6 months, meaning Matthews will not be available even if the Maple Leafs make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This injury forces a massive reshuffle of the forward lines and places immense pressure on secondary scoring leaders to fill the void.
What Happens Next
The Maple Leafs will proceed with their schedule starting with their next game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The NHL is expected to announce the results of the Radko Gudas hearing within 24 hours. Medical staff will determine if Matthews requires surgery or if the ligament will be allowed to heal through immobilization and physical therapy.
Key Terms & Concepts
- Grade 3 MCL Tear
- A complete tear of the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of the knee, resulting in significant joint instability.
- Department of Player Safety (DOPS)
- The NHL division responsible for reviewing on-ice incidents and issuing fines or suspensions for dangerous plays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Auston Matthews out for?
Auston Matthews is officially out for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season. A Grade 3 MCL tear generally requires several months of rehabilitation before a return to competitive play.
Will Radko Gudas be suspended?
The NHL Department of Player Safety has scheduled a hearing for Radko Gudas. A decision on a suspension or fine is expected to be announced shortly following the review of the knee-on-knee hit.
Can the Maple Leafs replace Matthews on the roster?
Toronto may place Matthews on Long-Term Extra Relief (LTIR). This move would provide the team with cap flexibility to potentially acquire a replacement player before the trade deadline.
Did the hit on Matthews result in a penalty?
The hit by Radko Gudas on March 12, 2026, was reviewed by officials and the league, leading to the current disciplinary hearing, though the immediate on-ice response was limited.