NHL's Radko Gudas Talks Suspension for Hit That Caused Auston Matthews' Injury, 'I've Got to Learn'

Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas discussed the five-game suspension that he received for a knee-to-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews.

"I really hate the way it ended up, the point of contact," Gudas said Tuesday, per Eric Stephens of The Athletic. "I'm not a fan of that. I never want to injure anybody out there. It's a hard-fought game. It's just, yeah, I never want to go out there and hurt anybody. I feel terrible about the outcome. I just committed to the play, and unfortunately that was the point of contact."

Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion during the collision with Gudas, which occurred during Toronto's 6-4 win over Anaheim on March 12.

Gudas revealed that he reached out to Matthews following the incident.

"I've got to learn," Gudas said, via Stephens. "I've got to be better as a hockey player. I never want to go out there and hurt anybody. It's very unfortunate. I reached out to him, too. We spoke. I never want to see anybody get hurt, so I feel very terrible about that."

Matthews underwent MCL knee repair surgery on Thursday, with the Maple Leafs announcing that he faces a recovery timeline of approximately 12 weeks.

As for Gudas, he's racked up two goals and 11 assists across 52 appearances with the Ducks this season.

He'll make his return from the suspension on Tuesday night, as Anaheim travels to face the Vancouver Canucks at 10 p.m. ET.