The coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs questioned the league’s discipline after the injury to captain Auston Matthews. Matthews will miss the rest of the season after a dangerous collision in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. Now, the incident has led to debate across the NHL about the league’s ruling.

Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quadriceps contusion during the game. Doctors will re-evaluate the forward in two weeks, but the team already ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The injury happened after a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, and the on-ice officials assessed Gudas a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct.

The league’s Department of Player Safety later suspended Gudas for five games. However, Toronto coach Craig Berube believes the punishment does not match the consequences of the hit.

MORE: Auston Matthews’ agent slams NHL’s ‘reckless’ decision after season-ending setback

Sportsnet reporter Luke Fox shared Berube’s reaction on X after the ruling.

“We lose our guy, our captain, for the year,” Berube said. “It doesn’t seem like enough for me.”

Craig Berube on Radko Gudas getting five games: “We lose our guy, our captain, for the year. It doesn’t seem like enough for me.”

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) March 14, 2026

The coach’s comments reflected frustration around the Maple Leafs after the decision.

Berube had already called the hit dangerous immediately after the game.

“That was a dirty play,” Berube said after the Ducks game at Scotiabank Arena. “The League’s gonna look at it, and see what the suspension will be or whatever happens.”

After the hit, Matthews was in immense pain following his fall to the ice. He was seen placing little weight on his left leg, and now the MRI has confirmed his injury, and absence for the rest of the season.

Maple Leafs coach critiqued Toronto’s response after Auston Matthews hit

Earlier, Berube also criticized his players for not reacting immediately after the collision. He said teammates should have defended their captain when he went down. Forwards William Nylander and Easton Cowan were on the ice along with defensemen Morgan Rielly and Carlo.

“We should’ve had four guys in there doing something about it, but it didn’t happen,” Berube said, while mentioning the delayed response in the third.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) looks at injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (34) after he delivered a knee on knee hit at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The injury also hurts Toronto’s playoff chances, as they have just 28 wins this season. Their captain is now out of the season with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games.

The Maple Leafs will have to face the final stretch of the season without their top scorer and leader.

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