Radko Gudas will take the ice for the Anaheim Ducks against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 30, 2026, despite battling a leg injury. Gudas confirmed his participation after the morning skate, stating he wanted to play ‘no matter what.’
This game comes on the heels of a controversial incident where Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit to Auston Matthews, resulting in a Grade 3 MCL tear for the Maple Leafs star. The hit, which occurred on March 12, 2026, ended Matthews’ season and led to Gudas receiving a five-game suspension.
Gudas expressed remorse over the incident, saying, “I want to stand behind my own mistakes.” His determination to play against the Maple Leafs reflects both his competitive spirit and a desire to address the fallout from the hit on Matthews.
Prior to this matchup, Gudas missed a game against the Edmonton Oilers due to his injury, raising questions about his fitness. However, he emphasized his commitment to being on the ice, indicating that he was eager to face the Maple Leafs.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety head, George Parros, was reportedly in attendance for the game, which adds an additional layer of scrutiny to Gudas’ return. Observers are keen to see how Gudas performs under the pressure of his recent actions and the expectations of the league.
As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on Gudas to see if he can contribute effectively while managing his injury. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of his injury and its impact on his performance.