Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews out for season with Grade 3 MCL tear, quad contusion

Matthews left the game immediately following a knee-on-knee collision with Radko Gudas. Gudas intentionally stuck his knee out to clip Matthews in the offensive zone, and was assessed a match penalty as a result. Matthews will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the Maple Leafs stated in a release.

It’s a crushing loss for the Maple Leafs. Matthews is the team’s best player and is the foundation of the franchise. He recorded 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games this season. Matthews also captained the United States men’s hockey team to its first Olympic gold medal since 1980.

Toronto did not respond immediately to Gudas’ hit, which was a major point of emphasis after the game.

“I didn’t have a good view of it, because the puck was going the other way, but it’s on me for not responding earlier to Gudas being there,” Rielly said. “It’s a dirty hit. I didn’t understand how bad he got him in the moment, but I take full responsibility for not being the first one in there or being in there quicker to respond.”

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