NHL Urged to Suspend Radko Gudas for Auston Matthews Hit

Bassyonni

Published: March 13, 2026 9:52 AM ET

Radko Gudas, captain of the Anaheim Ducks, faces scrutiny from the NHL after a controversial hit on Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs during a recent game. This incident occurred in the second period of the match, where Gudas executed a knee-on-knee hit that left Matthews unable to continue playing.

NHL Urged to Suspend Radko Gudas for Auston Matthews Hit

Following the aggressive play, Gudas received a five-minute major penalty along with a game misconduct. This costly penalty allowed the Maple Leafs to capitalize, scoring two goals on the power play and ultimately winning the game 6-4.

Impact on Auston Matthews

Matthews sustained an injury during the hit and left the ice unable to bear weight on his leg. His status for future games is uncertain, pending imaging to assess the damage.

Gudas’s History of Suspensions

Gudas is known for his physical style of play and has faced disciplinary action multiple times in the past. He carries a significant history, including:

Four prior suspensions, with two for illegal hits to the head.
A 10-game suspension in 2017 for slashing Mathieu Perreault.
A total of 21 games missed in his career due to suspensions.

The NHL considers several factors when determining punishments. In Gudas’s case, these factors include the type of conduct involved, the injury to the opposing player, and his prior disciplinary history. Gudas’s actions seem intentional and reckless, severely impacting Matthews.

Expert Opinions

Analysts have reacted strongly to the incident. TSN’s Frankie Corrado criticized Gudas’s tendency to engage in dangerous plays, calling it a “garbage hit.” Such commentary underscores Gudas’s reputation in the league and raises the likelihood of a significant suspension.

Precedents for Suspensions

While long suspensions for knee-related hits are rare, there have been notable precedents. For example:

In 1998, Bryan Marchment was suspended for eight games for a knee-on-knee hit.
Matt Cooke received a seven-game suspension during the 2014 playoffs for a similar infraction.

Both Marchment and Cooke had histories of prior suspensions, which played a crucial role in the severity of their penalties. Gudas’s past may also influence the NHL’s decision as they review the incident.

Potential Consequences for the Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks are currently vying for a position in the playoffs after an eight-year absence. A suspension for Gudas could hinder their efforts as they seek to win the Pacific Division title.

The league is expected to announce a ruling on Gudas’s status in the coming days, and the implications of this incident may be felt both on and off the ice.