Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews undergoes knee surgery

By Canadian Press on March 19, 2026.

TORONTO — 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.

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.

The Canadian Press