Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi delivered a clear message after captain Auston Matthews suffered a season-ending injury against the Anaheim Ducks.
Matthews will miss the rest of the regular season after a knee-on-knee collision with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. The incident occurred during Toronto’s 6-4 win at Scotiabank Arena Thursday.
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Medical tests confirmed a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quadriceps contusion in Matthews’ left leg. The 28-year-old will be reevaluated in two weeks, though he has already been ruled out for the season.
Gudas received a major penalty and game misconduct for kneeing during the play. The NHL Department of Player Safety later suspended him for five games.
Speaking after Toronto’s loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Domi admitted the news left him frustrated, and said, “Was pretty angry.”
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When asked about whether he is angry about the length of the suspension, Domi explained his perspective.
“Not gonna get into it, but you never wanna see anyone go down like that, especially the captain and one of the best players in the world,” Domi said. “You don’t like to see that, but I think, like, I think we’ve kinda put it to bed now.
“I think we answered, answered the bell in the third period, but, yeah, certainly not happy about it, [and we] play him a couple weeks from now.”
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Domi hinted at the Maple Leafs’ next matchup with the Ducks March 30, and it is expected to be a game where the Leafs respond even more strongly.
After the Ducks game, Toronto coach Craig Berube had expressed frustration over the play and the team’s delayed response during the game.
“We should’ve had four guys in there doing something about it, but it didn’t happen,” Berube said, while mentioning the play as a dirty hit.
The Leafs later responded physically and outscored Anaheim 3-1 in the third period.
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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) looks at an injured Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) after he delivered a knee on knee hit.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
(John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
Matthews ends the season with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games. It marks the lowest scoring output of his 10-year NHL career.
Toronto with a 28-27-12 record, now faces a difficult stretch without its captain. The Maple Leafs remain outside the playoff picture and must rally to stay in contention.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.