Fans across the NHL reacted strongly after news confirmed a season-ending injury for Auston Matthews. The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs suffered the injury during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. Many supporters quickly shared their frustration online.
Toronto confirmed the injury in an update posted on X, writing,
“The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that captain Auston Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion on March 12 during the second period of the team’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. Matthews will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. A further update will be provided at that time. He will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.”
The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Gudas for five games. However, many fans felt the punishment was too light after the hit injured one of the league’s biggest stars. Social media immediately filled with emotional reactions from supporters.
One fan wrote, “Gudas should have left that arena in a stretcher.”
Another supporter criticized the league’s response to the incident, and wrote, “A completely illegal hit on one of the premier players of the league that rakes in big bucks. Gudas deserves to be suspended for the remainder of the season. Matthews out for the season hurts everyone.”
“Only 5 games max though, for Gudas. Beyond pathetic league,” One fan wrote.
“Gudas should be suspended for the rest of the season,” A fan mentioned.
“There goes our playoff aspirations,” A fan reacted.
“Just a bad year all around. Disappointing on many levels.” A fan wrote.
The Hockey News reacted, “Wishing AM34 a speedy, healthy recovery!”
How Did Auston Matthews Get Injured?
Matthews suffered the injury after a knee-on-knee collision with Radko Gudas. The Ducks defenseman received a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct. Matthews fell hard to the ice and struggled to stand. Teammate Brandon Carlo helped him leave the rink with a trainer.
The injury ended a difficult campaign for Matthews. The 28-year-old finished the season with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games. Those totals represent the lowest scoring numbers of his 10-year NHL career.
Despite the injury, Matthews still remains one of the most productive players in franchise history. Matthews also served as captain for Team USA during the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the team won the gold medal. His recovery timeline will determine when he can return to practice.
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Auston Matthews’ Injury’s Impact on the Maple Leafs
The loss of Matthews also complicates Toronto’s playoff hopes. The Maple Leafs currently hold a 28-27-11 record and sit near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. The team averages 3.15 goals per game but struggles defensively. Toronto allows nearly 3.5 goals per contest, one of the highest totals in the league.
For now, the focus remains on recovery as fans continue to debate the hit and the league’s discipline decision.
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