NHL’s head of player safety defends punishment for hit that ended Auston Matthews’s season

George Parros is standing by the NHL’s decision to suspend Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas five games for a knee-on-knee hit that injured Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, a punishment that has been criticized as too lenient.

Speaking on Tuesday at the league’s annual general manager meetings, the NHL’s head of player safety said the league followed its standard process despite questions about Gudas’s history, which includes four previous suspensions.

“I feel confident in this decision,” Parros said. “When we evaluate these plays, we look at the play, not the players… we did this and made this decision under those circumstances, felt that this was the appropriate response… and I stand by it.”

Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear in the March 12 game and will miss the rest of the season.

The league opted for a phone hearing, which carries a maximum suspension of five games, rather than an in-person hearing that allows for a longer ban.

Parros said he was aware of the injury before deciding to proceed with a phone hearing.

“There was a general understanding there was an injury on this play that seemed very obvious,” he said.

The ruling has drawn criticism, with Matthews’ agent Judd Moldaver saying he was “very disappointed and shocked that the league would allow for such a ruling.” Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid also questioned the process.

Toronto head coach Craig Berube called the hit “dirty,” while teammate Matthew Knies said Gudas has “done a few of those before in his career.”

Although not considered a repeat offender under the collective bargaining agreement — which only factors in discipline over the previous two years — Gudas has a lengthy disciplinary record. He was suspended four times between 2015 and 2019, totalling 21 games, and has forfeited more than $750,000 US in salary.

Gudas, a 35-year-old defenceman, was also involved in the collision that knocked Canada captain Sidney Crosby out of the Olympics while representing Czechia, though he was not penalized on the play.

Parros remains confident in the department’s procedures and the group making the calls.

“We’re always looking to improve if there’s room for it,” Parros said. “We feel very confident in this process… but that doesn’t mean that we’re not willing to evolve if we need to.”