Auston Matthews exits game after a knee-on-knee collision as Maple Leafs hold on for victory - Watch Video

In a shocking incident, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews left the game after a brutal knee-on-knee collision in the second period of Toronto's 6-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday at Scotiabank Arena. The incident occurred with 15:47 remaining in the second period. Matthews attempted to dodge a hit near the slot from Ducks captain Radko Gudas, but their knees collided. The team ruled Matthews out for the rest of the game shortly after.


Officials immediately assessed Gudas a major penalty for kneeing along with a game misconduct, which resulted in his ejection. Matthews stayed down on the ice for several minutes following the collision. He was eventually helped to his feet and skated off slowly with assistance from a trainer and teammate Brandon Carlo. As he left the ice, Matthews appeared to place very little weight on his left leg.The team ruled him out for the rest of the game with a lower-body injury shortly after.



Earlier in the period, Matthews had scored a power-play goal at 10:47, cutting Toronto’s deficit to 3-2. The goal ended a 12-game goal drought and was his first since January 27. Through 60 games this season, Matthews has recorded 53 points, including 27 goals and 26 assists. The Maple Leafs are expected to evaluate the injury further to determine how serious it may be.

According to Sportsnet, Gudas, the captain of the Ducks, has been suspended four times during his NHL career, with his most recent suspension coming in 2019. He was also involved in a high-profile incident at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where a heavy hit contributed to an injury suffered by Sidney Crosby, the captain of Canadian hockey team.