Ducks’ Radko Gudas Faces Hearing After Injuring Auston Matthews

Published

2 months ago

13 March, 2026

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas is set to face a disciplinary hearing on March 15, 2024, following an incident in which he injured Auston Matthews, a star player for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The hearing will be conducted via phone by the NHL Player Safety department, which limits the potential suspension to a maximum of five games.

The incident occurred during a matchup on Thursday night, where Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit to Matthews, resulting in a major penalty and a game misconduct. This took place at the 15:47 mark of the second period, shortly after Matthews had scored his 27th goal of the season. The hit caused Matthews to drop to the ice, and he was subsequently helped off the ice and did not return to the game.

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube condemned the hit as a “dirty play,” reflecting the team’s frustration over the incident. Following the game, Berube did not provide an update on Matthews’ condition, leaving fans and analysts concerned about the extent of the injury.

In response to the situation, Ducks coach Joel Quenneville stated that there was “no premeditation” behind Gudas’ actions. This comment comes in light of remarks made by Gudas himself before the game, in which he acknowledged the need to limit Matthews’ space on the ice. “We got to make sure that he doesn’t get space in the middle of the ice… make his nights not enjoyable,” Gudas had said.

Gudas, who is in his 14th NHL season and third with Anaheim, has recorded two goals, 11 assists, and 45 penalty minutes in 52 games this season. Meanwhile, Matthews has accumulated 53 points in 60 games, solidifying his role as a key player for Toronto in his tenth season with the team.

As the NHL continues to address player safety, this incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding physicality in professional hockey. The outcome of Gudas’ hearing will be closely monitored, particularly by fans and analysts eager to see how the league enforces its rules on player conduct.

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