Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews Out for Season

The Toronto Maple Leafs have suffered a devastating blow. Captain Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season after sustaining a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion.

The injury occurred during the second period of Thursday night’s 6-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, the direct result of a knee-on-knee collision with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.

• The Incident: Midway through the second period, Matthews attempted to sidestep Gudas in the slot. Gudas extended his leg, catching Matthews with a heavy knee-on-knee hit. Matthews remained on the ice in visible agony before being assisted to the locker room by the medical staff.
• The Fallout: Gudas was immediately assessed a five-minute major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct. The NHL Department of Player Safety has scheduled a hearing for Gudas, who faces a suspension of up to five games.
• The Timeline: The Maple Leafs have officially confirmed the season-ending diagnosis. A further medical update on Matthews’ rehabilitation process will be provided in two weeks.

The timing is especially brutal for Toronto. Just minutes prior to the catastrophic hit, Matthews had scored a power-play goal to snap a frustrating 12-game goal drought. Now, the franchise must navigate the remainder of the year without their captain and primary offensive engine.

Gudas has received 5 games for his actions

Auston Matthews agent had the following to say: