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Agent Rips NHL as Maple Leafs Learn Matthews Done for the Season
The injury update on Auston Matthews is not good, and unfortunately, he will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Following an MRI, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Friday that captain Auston Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion on March 12 during the second period of the team’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. This is not good news.
Matthews will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, and a further update will be provided at that time. Unfortunately, he will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Related: Radko Gudas Suspended 5 Games for Hit on Auston Matthews
Gudas was given a five-game suspension on the play, with the NHL DoPS noting that the onus on was the Ducks’ defenseman not to lead with the knee when it could have been avoided. Because of his history with suspensions, the DoPS gave Gudas the maximum allowed in a phone hearing.
Elliotte Friedman posted on X.com:
“Asked Auston Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, about his response to the ruling. Here is his reply: “In light of the obvious severity of the play, I am disappointed and shocked the league would allow such a ruling. A phone hearing and 5 games is laughable and preposterous. While the process is set in our CBA, that this was the discipline is reckless and ridiculous. This decision results in a further loss of confidence in the disciplinary process for all players. Players and fans deserve better. The Player Safety Department should be suspended.”
Given the fact that Matthews will now miss the rest of the season, many have chimed in to agree with Moldaver.
It’s not just the NHL and the Department of Player Safety being criticized. The Maple Leafs as a team are also taking heat, particularly for not responding to the Gudas hit. That it’s now official that Matthews is done for the rest of the season, it looks even worse for Matthews’ teammates.
It was a long shot for the Maple Leafs to make the playoffs this season. With Matthews out, it’s a near impossibility.
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