The crowd at Scotiabank Arena was buzzing with anticipation, but beneath the bright lights and the roar of the fans, a silent tension lingered—a question that had haunted Toronto Maple Leafs supporters since November 11th. Auston Matthews, the franchise cornerstone and captain, had vanished from the ice after a thunderous collision with Boston Bruins defender Nikita Zadorov. The hit, brutal in its execution and controversial in its aftermath, had sparked outrage across social media, ignited debates about NHL Player Safety, and left the hockey world demanding answers. Yet, for days, Matthews himself remained silent, his absence fueling speculation and concern.

Tonight, everything changed. As Matthews laced up for his first game back—this time against the Columbus Blue Jackets—the spotlight wasn’t just on his return, but on the moment that nearly derailed his season. The 6’7”, 255-pound Zadorov, notorious for his punishing physicality, had sent Matthews crashing into the boards, a sequence replayed endlessly on highlight reels and dissected by analysts. Fans wondered: Was this the latest example of unchecked aggression in the NHL? Why hadn’t the league handed down a suspension? And most importantly, how did Matthews view the incident that left him sidelined?

The answers, when they finally came, were as surprising as they were revealing. Standing in front of a sea of microphones and flashing cameras, Matthews broke his silence—not with anger or accusation, but with a measured honesty that caught everyone off guard. “I’m three feet away from the boards & he hits me in the numbers. I know his game & he likes to play hard & you respect that … maybe I could’ve put myself in a better position knowing he’s out there,” Matthews admitted, speaking to TSN’s Mark Masters. In a league where players often deflect blame and controversy, Matthews took a different path, acknowledging his own role in the play and showing a rare respect for Zadorov’s style.

But the drama didn’t end there. Rumors had swirled that the hit was responsible for Matthews’ absence, sparking fears of a lingering injury or a hidden concussion. The Maple Leafs quickly clarified: Matthews’ time away was due to an unrelated issue, not the Zadorov hit. Still, the timing and optics fueled conspiracy theories and left fans hungry for more details. Now, with Matthews declaring himself ready to go, and the Leafs boasting a fully healthy forward group for the first time this season, the narrative shifts once again. What does Matthews’ response tell us about the culture of accountability in the NHL? Is the league doing enough to protect its stars, or are players expected to shoulder the risk themselves?

As Toronto prepares for a pivotal matchup against Columbus, the return of Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Nicolas Roy signals a new chapter—but the questions raised by the Zadorov hit linger in the air. Was it just another hard play in a physical league, or a warning sign for the future of player safety? And as Matthews steps onto the ice, all eyes will be watching—not just for goals, but for signs of resilience, leadership, and the kind of honesty that sets him apart.

Dive deeper into Matthews’ perspective, the aftermath of the Zadorov collision, and what it means for the Maple Leafs, the NHL, and the ongoing debate about safety and accountability in professional hockey. The story is far from over—and the next chapter starts tonight.

Nikita Zadorov (left) and Auston Matthews (right)

Photo credit: Imagn Images

Auston Matthews spoke for the first time on the hit from Boston Bruins Nikita Zadorov.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews spoke on the hit he faced on November 11th against Boston from Nikita Zadorov.

Matthews left in the second period against Boston after the hit from Zadorov and did not return. Matthews had not played since although it was later clarified by the team that the Zadorov hit wasn’t the reason for his absence, and that an unrelated issue was keeping him out of the lineup.

Now returning for his first game since the hit in today’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Matthews provided some perspective on the incident and his thoughts on the play.

What Auston Matthews actually said about the Zadorov hit

Auston Matthews spoke with reporters earlier today and commented on the Zadorov incident.

TSN’s Mark Masters reported that Matthews said that the Zadorov hit was somewhat on him, that he let himself be put into the situation to be knocked into by the highly physical Zadorov.

I’m three feet away from the boards & he hits me in the numbers. I know his game & he likes to play hard & you respect that … maybe I could’ve put myself in a better position knowing he’s out there … – Auston Matthews, via Mark Masters/TSN

The 6’7, 255lbs Zadorov is recognized as being one of the top physical defenders in the NHL, and is known for playing with a heavy edge, which Matthews admits he should have been more aware of his surroundings.

Matthews also spoke on his injury, staying that he feels ready to go and his readiness has improved over the last few days, making him a go for tonight against Columbus.

Also returning for the Toronto Maple Leafs are Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy, with what will be an injury-free forward group for Toronto for the first time this season.