The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a major blow when their captain, Auston Matthews, was sidelined after a knee-to-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas on March 12. This unfortunate incident left Matthews with a Grade 3 MCL tear, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
On the "Wingmen" podcast, Senators winger Brady Tkachuk weighed in on the incident, suggesting that the Maple Leafs should have had a more forceful response. Tkachuk emphasized the unwritten rule in hockey about protecting star players.
"If your captain gets taken out like that, you need a better response," Tkachuk remarked. "I know how I'd feel if nobody stepped up after a hit like that. It's like if you go after our best, we're going after yours."
Maple Leafs alternate captain Morgan Rielly addressed Tkachuk's comments, acknowledging that everyone is entitled to their opinions. Rielly simply stated, "People are allowed to share their opinions."
This injury adds to a challenging 2025-26 season for Toronto, as they sit 8th in the Atlantic Division with a record of 29-28-12, totaling 70 points. Matthews' absence only compounds their struggles.
As for Matthews' recovery, there's been uncertainty about whether surgery is necessary. A Grade 3 MCL injury and quad contusion could mean months of recovery, potentially affecting the start of the next season.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reported in his "32 Thoughts" segment that Matthews will indeed require surgery. While this will make his offseason more challenging, it’s expected that Matthews will return as the team’s offensive leader without impacting his next NHL season.
The Maple Leafs are already bracing for a busy offseason, with potential significant changes on the horizon. There’s speculation about a possible Auston Matthews trade, with teams like the Minnesota Wild showing interest. However, any trade would require Matthews' approval due to his No-Movement Clause.