Radko Gudas, a defenceman for the Anaheim Ducks, is scheduled for a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety after injuring Toronto Maple Leafs' captain Auston Matthews during a recent game. The incident, which occurred during the Ducks' 6-4 defeat in Toronto, involved a knee-on-knee collision at 15:47 of the second period. Gudas was penalized with a major penalty and game misconduct due to the hit, which resulted in Matthews leaving the game with a lower-body injury.

The 35-year-old Gudas has a history of infractions, having faced disciplinary actions from the NHL previously. Notably, he received a 10-game suspension in the 2017-18 season for a neck slash on Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault. His track record includes bans for various offenses, such as interference and illegal hits to the head since he entered the NHL in the 2012-13 season. This history may influence the outcome of the hearing and the potential penalties Gudas could face.

The incident has raised concerns regarding player safety and the need for strict enforcement of rules against dangerous hits. As Matthews is a key player for the Maple Leafs, his injury may have significant implications for the team's performance in the remainder of the season. The NHL's response to this situation may set a precedent for how such incidents are treated in the future, emphasizing the league's commitment to maintaining player safety on the ice.