The Anaheim Ducks found themselves at the center of a debate after a collision involving their captain during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The incident quickly raised questions about how the NHL handles dangerous hits, and the suspension that followed did little to calm the conversation.
Instead, it pushed many top voices in hockey to question whether the league’s disciplinary system is working as intended.
Allan Walsh Calls for Player Safety Review After Auston Matthews Injury
Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety on Friday after a knee-on-knee hit. That hit injured Auston Matthews, the captain of the Maple Leafs.
The incident happened at 15:43 of the second period during the Ducks’ Thursday game against Toronto. The Leafs won that game 6-4, but the focus stayed on the hit.
Matthews was near the left faceoff circle in Anaheim’s zone as he prepared to handle a pass from William Nylander. Gudas moved in to defend the play and led with his left knee as Matthews attempted to move around him. The contact struck Matthews’ left knee, sending him to the ice while he held his leg in pain.
The injuries ended Matthews’ 2025–26 season, though the team said he will be reevaluated in two weeks.
Because the disciplinary hearing with the Department of Player Safety was conducted by phone, the suspension could not exceed five games. Gudas will also forfeit $104,166.65 in salary during the suspension, which will be paid to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. He is eligible to return on March 24 against the Vancouver Canucks.
However, the play quickly became a major topic of discussion around the league. Broadcaster Jay Onrait shared a post on X asking whether the league should review its player-safety approach following the incident.
NHL agent Allan Walsh reshared the post and used it to question the current disciplinary process. In his response, Walsh suggested the system lacks clear standards.
“Parros and his group have brought us to this point. We need to start over with a new process, new people and clearly delineated guidelines,” Walsh wrote, referring to the department led by George Parros.
Walsh also raised concerns about the lack of clarity around how hits are judged. “No one knows whether a hit is a 2 game suspension or minor penalty. The fans/media are fed up and players brains are not being protected.”
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During the suspension, Gudas has missed games against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. The next three games will be against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Utah Mammoth, and the Buffalo Sabres.
Although the league has already announced its decision, the discussion about discipline and player safety continues across the NHL.
