Auston Matthews’ season is over, the Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed Friday evening.
The Maple Leafs captain was injured Thursday after a controversial hit by Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas.
Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion, the Leafs said in a statement.
“Matthews will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. A further update will be provided at that time,” the Leafs said. “He will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.”
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube called the Gudas hit a “dirty play” and made it clear post-game that he wasn’t happy his players didn’t go after the Ducks defender.
“We should have had four guys in there doing something about it,” Berube said.
Radko Gudas received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Auston Matthews.
Matthews has since left the game 🤕 pic.twitter.com/E8lc8MjvJh
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 13, 2026
This is likely the nail in the coffin when it comes to Toronto’s already-dwindling playoff hopes.
The Leafs were a long shot already, as they entered Friday 11 points back of the Boston Bruins for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Toronto hasn’t missed the playoffs since drafting Matthews in 2016.
This was a frustrating season for Matthews, whose season ends with a career-low 53 points in 60 games.
Lead photo by
Dan Hamilton/Imagn Images