Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas has been suspended for five games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for a knee-on-knee hit on Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews. The incident occurred during a game on March 13, 2026.
The league announced the suspension on March 14, 2026, stating that Gudas delivered an illegal check by making Matthews' knee the principal point of contact. The hit resulted in a major penalty and a game misconduct for Gudas during the contest.
Auston Matthews, the NHL's leading goal-scorer, is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to the injury sustained on the play. The suspension will see Gudas forfeit $134,408.55 in salary, with the funds going to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
This is Gudas's fourth suspension in his NHL career. The Ducks, already eliminated from playoff contention, will be without the veteran defenseman for their final five games of the 2025-26 season.
