Radko Gudas: Hearing | Wife | Suspension History | News | Hit

Introduction

Radko Gudas has built a reputation as one of the most physical and controversial defensemen in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his rugged playing style and fearless body checks, the Czech-born blueliner has spent more than a decade in the league making life difficult for opposing forwards.

However, Gudas’ aggressive approach has often landed him in trouble with the league’s disciplinary department. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple controversial hits, suspensions, and hearings that have drawn criticism from fans, analysts, and players.

In March 2026, Gudas once again found himself at the center of controversy after a knee-on-knee collision with Auston Matthews during a game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The hit led to a disciplinary hearing and a suspension, reigniting debates about player safety and Gudas’ reputation.

This article explores everything you need to know about Radko Gudas — including the recent hearing, his suspension history, his wife and personal life, and the biggest hits of his NHL career.

Radko Gudas Hearing: What Happened?

The latest controversy involving Radko Gudas occurred during a March 2026 NHL game when the Ducks faced the Maple Leafs. In the second period, Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit on Toronto captain Auston Matthews. The collision forced Matthews to leave the game and sparked immediate outrage from Toronto players and coaches.

The NHL Department of Player Safety quickly announced that Gudas would have a disciplinary hearing regarding the incident. Because the hearing was conducted by phone, league rules limited the maximum possible suspension to five games.

Suspension Decision

Following the hearing, the league suspended Gudas for five games for kneeing Matthews.

Key details from the incident include:

• The hit occurred in the second period of the Ducks vs. Maple Leafs game.

• Gudas received a major penalty and game misconduct during the game.

• Matthews suffered a serious knee injury and did not return.

• The NHL later confirmed a five-game suspension after reviewing the play.

The controversy intensified after reports revealed that Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear, which could end his season.

Many hockey analysts criticized the hit as reckless and unnecessary, while Ducks supporters argued it was an unfortunate collision during a fast-paced play.

Why the Hit Sparked Major Controversy

The incident quickly became one of the biggest NHL controversies of the 2025–26 season.

Several factors made the hit particularly controversial:

1. Injury to a Superstar

Matthews is one of the NHL’s most prominent players and the captain of the Maple Leafs. Injuring a superstar naturally draws heavy scrutiny from media and fans.

2. Gudas’ Reputation

Gudas already had a reputation as a physical and sometimes reckless player. This history led many observers to believe the hit was not accidental.

3. Player Safety Debate

The NHL has faced criticism in recent years for inconsistent disciplinary decisions. The five-game suspension sparked debate about whether repeat offenders should face harsher penalties.

Radko Gudas Suspension History

Radko Gudas has had several run-ins with the NHL Department of Player Safety throughout his career. His aggressive style has led to multiple suspensions and disciplinary reviews.

Here are some of the most notable incidents:

2015 Suspension

Early in his career, Gudas received a suspension for a dangerous hit where the head was the main point of contact. The incident reinforced his growing reputation as a hard-hitting defenseman.

2016 Six-Game Suspension

One of the most significant suspensions came in 2016 when Gudas delivered an interference hit on Austin Czarnik during a preseason game. The hit resulted in a six-game suspension from the NHL.

2017 Ten-Game Suspension

Gudas also received a 10-game suspension for slashing an opponent in the head — one of the longest suspensions of his career.

Other Incidents

Throughout his NHL career, Gudas has been involved in multiple controversial plays, including:

• Late hits

• Boarding penalties

• Head contact incidents

• Game misconducts

His physical play has often walked a fine line between hard hockey and dangerous conduct.

Radko Gudas Hit on Sidney Crosby (Olympics)

Another controversial moment occurred during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

While representing Czechia, Gudas delivered a heavy hit on Sidney Crosby during a game against Canada. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury and was forced to leave the game.

The hit was widely debated across hockey media and further added to Gudas’ reputation as one of the NHL’s most feared hitters.

Radko Gudas Playing Style

Despite the controversies, Gudas remains a highly valuable defenseman in the NHL.

Key Strengths

1. Physicality
   Gudas is known for punishing body checks that can shift momentum in games.

2. Defensive Presence
   He excels at blocking shots and clearing the front of the net.

3. Leadership
   In 2024, he was named captain of the Anaheim Ducks.

4. Fear Factor
   Many opponents think twice before entering his defensive zone.

While his style brings energy and toughness to his team, it also increases the risk of penalties and suspensions.

Radko Gudas NHL Career Overview

Radko Gudas was born on June 5, 1990, in Prague, Czech Republic.

He began his professional career in North America after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

NHL Teams

Throughout his career, Gudas has played for several teams:

• Tampa Bay Lightning

• Philadelphia Flyers

• Washington Capitals

• Florida Panthers

• Anaheim Ducks

In 2023, he signed a three-year contract worth $12 million with the Ducks.

By 2024, he had become the ninth captain in Ducks franchise history.

Radko Gudas Wife and Personal Life

Away from the rink, Radko Gudas is a family-oriented person.

Wife

Gudas is married to Barbora Gudasova (sometimes referred to as Barbora Gudas). The couple has been together for several years and often shares moments from their life on social media.

Family

The couple has children and frequently posts family photos during the offseason. Despite his intimidating presence on the ice, teammates and fans describe him as a friendly and humorous personality off the ice.

Personality

Many teammates have said that Gudas is a “completely different person” away from hockey:

• Friendly and approachable

• Passionate about family

• Known for his large beard and unique personality

Radko Gudas News and Public Reaction

The 2026 Matthews hit generated widespread reactions across the hockey world.

Media Reaction

Many analysts argued that the hit was avoidable and dangerous.

Fan Reaction

Fan opinions were split:

• Some believed Gudas deserved a much longer suspension.

• Others felt the play was accidental.

Social Media Debate

Online discussions exploded after the incident, with many fans questioning the NHL’s disciplinary system.

One Reddit user wrote:

“Five games for a repeat offender taking out a star feels egregious.”

The debate highlights the ongoing tension between physical play and player safety in the NHL.

Is Radko Gudas a Dirty Player?

This question has followed Gudas throughout his career.

Arguments Saying Yes

Critics point to:

• Multiple suspensions

• Hits targeting vulnerable players

• Reputation as a repeat offender

Arguments Saying No

Supporters argue:

• Physical play is part of hockey

• Many hits are legal within the rules

• His style intimidates opponents but helps his team win

The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Gudas is undoubtedly one of the most physical defensemen in the league, and that style inevitably leads to controversial moments.

What’s Next for Radko Gudas?

Following the five-game suspension, Gudas will return to the Ducks lineup later in the season.

The key questions going forward include:

• Will the NHL discipline repeat offenders more harshly?

• Can Gudas adjust his playing style?

• Will this incident affect his leadership as Ducks captain?

Regardless of the controversy, Gudas remains an important player for Anaheim’s defense.

FAQs

Who is Radko Gudas?

Radko Gudas is a Czech professional ice hockey defenseman and captain of the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL.

Why did Radko Gudas have a hearing?

He faced a disciplinary hearing after delivering a knee-on-knee hit on Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews in March 2026.

How many games was Radko Gudas suspended?

The NHL suspended him for five games following the hit on Matthews.

Who is Radko Gudas’ wife?

Radko Gudas is married to Barbora Gudasova.

Has Radko Gudas been suspended before?

Yes. Gudas has received multiple suspensions during his NHL career, including a six-game suspension in 2016 and a ten-game suspension in 2017.

What team does Radko Gudas play for?

He currently plays for and captains the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL.