NHL · Atlantic · Est. 1917 · Scotiabank Arena
Updated March 16, 2026
Auston Matthews suffered a grade 3 MCL tear on a knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas on March 12 against the Ducks, ending his season with 27 goals and 26 assists in 60 games — the lowest offensive output of his 10-year career. The Leafs are devastated, and Gudas received a five-game suspension.
Toronto already sat outside the playoff picture before Matthews went down, and losing their captain for the final 16 games and any potential postseason eliminates whatever slim chance remained. The Leafs rank 31st in the power rankings, making this one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
With Matthews' career-worst statistical season and the team's playoff failure, Toronto faces a reckoning this offseason. Questions about the roster construction, coaching, and the franchise's direction will dominate the conversation in a city that demands nothing less than a Stanley Cup.