Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews undergoes knee surgery

Maple Leafs Auston Matthews (34) is helped off the ice after being injured by Anaheim Ducks Radko Gudas (7) during an NHL game in Toronto on March 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

The Toronto Maple Leafs say that captain Auston Matthews underwent successful knee surgery today in New York.

The NHL team says he’s expected to need about 12 weeks of recovery time.

Matthews tore the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during a game against the Anaheim Ducks on March 12.

• READ MORE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews out for rest of season due to knee injury

He was hit by Ducks captain Radko Gudas, who received a five-game suspension by the league.

Matthews recorded 53 points (27-26) this season for the Maple Leafs.

Toronto is 14th in the 16-team Eastern Conference standings with 70 points.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2026.