Radko Gudas Speaks Out After Suspension for Hit on Auston Matthews
Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas has broken his silence for the first time since receiving a five-game suspension from the NHL for a knee-to-knee hit that seriously injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. The incident, which occurred during a game on March 12, resulted in Matthews suffering a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion, requiring surgery and sidelining him for the remainder of the 2025-26 regular season.
Gudas Expresses Deep Regret Over the Incident
In an interview with The Athletic, Gudas expressed profound remorse over the collision. "I really hate the way it ended up, the point of contact. I'm not a fan of that. I never want to injure anybody out there," Gudas stated. He emphasized that he has reached out to Matthews personally, saying, "I reached out to him, too. We spoke. I never want to see anybody get hurt, so I feel very terrible about that."
Gudas acknowledged the need to improve his play and committed to avoiding such mistakes in the future. "It's a hard-fought game, but I never want to go out there and hurt anybody. It's very unfortunate," he added, highlighting his distress over the outcome.
Details of the Injury and Suspension
The NHL's Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit and imposed a five-game suspension on Gudas, during which he forfeited $104,166.65 in salary. Matthews underwent MCL knee repair surgery, with the Maple Leafs announcing a recovery timeline of approximately 12 weeks, effectively ending his season.
- The knee-to-knee collision took place on March 12 in a game between the Ducks and Maple Leafs.
- Matthews sustained a severe knee injury, diagnosed as a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion.
- Gudas returned from suspension on Tuesday night, playing in Anaheim's 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Reactions and Aftermath
Several prominent NHL figures expressed dissatisfaction with the five-game suspension, deeming it insufficient given the severity of Matthews' injury. However, Gudas has focused on expressing his regret and learning from the incident. "I feel terrible about the outcome. I just committed to the play, and unfortunately, that was the point of contact," he explained.
The situation underscores the physical risks in professional hockey and the consequences of on-ice actions. As Matthews begins his recovery, Gudas's public apology marks a step toward accountability in the sport.
