The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 campaign is on a downward spiral, and after Auston Matthews’ season-ending injury, tensions are rising even further.
On Thursday, Anaheim Ducks defender Radko Gudas collided with the six-time 40-goal scorer, primarily striking Matthews’ knee. The following day, Toronto announced that its captain suffered a torn MCL and a quad contusion that would conclude his season.
While the severity of Matthews’ injury is bad enough, Toronto’s lack of response after the hit may pose even more concern.
Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Consistently Reminding Team of Aftermath to Matthews Injury
Despite ending Matthews’ season, Gudas was given just a five-game suspension, an unfair punishment according to linemate Matthew Knies. TSN’s Mark Masters recites the words of the Toronto forward.
“I think the league could’ve done a little bit more, seeing as our best player [and] our captain [is] not going to be with us for the rest of the year,” Knies said. “That’s a big loss.”
Although the Maple Leafs continue to express their distaste regarding the Ducks defenseman’s punishment, their response in the moment was lacking.
Auston Matthews leaves the game after a knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas.
Gudas was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct. pic.twitter.com/nSRik0j8kw
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 13, 2026
Toronto defenseman Morgan Rielly approached Gudas; however, there was no further backup from him or any other Maple Leafs. With their captain ailing, the team failed to respond adequately, something head coach Craig Berube has not taken lightly.
Craig Berube says he’s revisited the #leafs lack of response to the Auston Matthews hit almost daily with his team since it happened last Thursday:
“Sometimes it’s a wake up call.”— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 17, 2026
NHL insider Chris Johnston claims Berube has not let his team forget the incident, regularly reminding the club of the lackluster response.
“Craig Berube says he’s revisited the #leafs lack of response to the Auston Matthews hit almost daily with his team since it happened last Thursday.”
Johnston went on to quote Berube, “Sometimes it’s a wake up call.”
Regardless of the hit or its result, Gudas is a repeat offender and someone who injured another one of the league’s stars four weeks ago.
At the Olympics, Gudas’ Czechia faced Canada, where he delivered an awkward hit on captain Sidney Crosby. Attempting to dodge, Crosby fell awkwardly, spraining his MCL in the process. Gudas received no punishment, and the Pittsburgh Penguins captain has yet to play a game since.
Anaheim’s captain had been suspended four times before earning his fifth for the Matthews collision. Former Duck George Parros is the current head of Player Safety and adamantly says he and the rest of the department made the right call.
Speaking to the decision-making process, Parros describes it as three steps: reviewing the collision itself and determining whether punishment is necessary, considering the players’ histories, and evaluating any injuries.
With a rematch between Toronto and Anaheim set for March 30, will the Maple Leafs make a statement and stand up for their captain?
