The Anaheim Ducks are preparing for a heated rematch against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, but the major storyline leading into the game might experience an unfortunate plot twist.
Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, who has been at the center of attention leading into the game after his season-ending hit on Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, did not play Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers after suffering a leg injury on Thursday.
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Gudas was later seen in a walking boot, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming meeting with the Leafs.
Monday’s game marks the first time Toronto and Anaheim will face each other since Gudas’ knee-on-knee hit on Matthews from March 12, which resulted in a five-game suspension for Gudas and season-ending surgery for Matthews.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his status, Gudas has made his intentions clear, as Friedman reported during the latest “Saturday Headlines” segment.
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“Whether you call it the code, or you call it the sportsman’s way of doing things, he recognizes that the Maple Leafs want a piece of him, and he wants to play,” Friedman said. “Now, he’s supposed to see the doctors on Sunday… and will see what they have to say. But Gudas has apparently made his feelings very clear: he wants to play.”
Gudas will undergo further evaluation, with the Ducks expecting to have some clarity on his availability on Sunday.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34).John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
(John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
His absence on Saturday already forced him to miss one game, and the injury now threatens to sideline him for Monday’s matchup as well, in both a blow for the Ducks’ outlook and the Maple Leafs’ chance at revenge.
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The Ducks are leading the Pacific Division with 86 points in 73 games, three ahead of the Oilers in the divisional standings and six above the Vegas Golden Knights in third.
Toronto, meanwhile, is virtually eliminated from postseason contention with 75 points in 74 games and sitting 12 off the second wild-card place in the Eastern Conference standings.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.