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Elliotte Friedman doesn't doubt that Leafs roster will have ramifications for lack of response to brutal Auston Matthews hit

Auston Matthews suffered a grade-three MCL tear from a knee-on-knee hit by Radko Gudas, who received a five-game suspension, while the Leafs await surgery decision.

  • On Thursday, Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs captain, suffered a grade three MCL tear after a knee-on-knee hit by Radko Gudas during their 6-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
  • The NHL suspended Ducks captain Radko Gudas for five games over the hit, describing the defenseman as having a reputation for dirty play.
  • Elliotte Friedman said on March 14 that the Leafs are hopeful Matthews won't need surgery, but the club won't know for about another week.
  • Without Matthews, analysts say the Leafs could perform worse, and Toronto is only four points better than St. Louis; Boston holds Toronto's first-round pick unless it falls into the top five from last year's Brandon Carlo trade, with a 2027 or 2028 first-round pick as backup.
  • Even if Matthews misses time next season, the organization emphasizes building a sustainable, long-term roster and urges avoiding rash offseason decisions, according to team leaders and analysts.
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hockeyfeed.com broke the news in on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
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