The Toronto Maple Leafs captain has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion, the team announced Friday.
He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, but will not play in the final 16 games of the season.
Matthews was injured in a knee-on-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas on Thursday. The hit from Gudas came after Matthews corralled a pass in front of the Ducks’ net. As Matthews turned to line up a shot, Gudas came across the front of the net and took him out with a knee-on-knee hit.
Matthews hit the ice in pain and had to be helped off to the tunnel. He didn’t return to the game, and an MRI on Friday confirmed his injury.
Gudas was given a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct on the play. He had a phone hearing on Friday and could be suspended for as many as five games by the NHL.
The injury ends a disappointing season for Matthews, as the Maple Leafs are set to miss the playoffs for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old finishes with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games, the lowest offensive totals in his 10 NHL seasons.
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