Matthew Knies calls out the NHL after Radko Gudas suspension ruling

The Toronto Maple Leafs are absolutely furious with the NHL. Following the league ruling on the Radko Gudas hit, the consensus inside the dressing room is pure, unfiltered frustration.

Players firmly believe the Department of Player Safety missed the mark entirely on this one. Gudas received a suspension, but the duration falls drastically short of what the team expected for such a reckless play.

The cost of the collision for Toronto is simply immeasurable right now. Their captain is officially done for the remainder of the regular season, leaving a massive void in the lineup.

Losing an elite, top-line center alters the entire dynamic of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Berube now faces the incredibly daunting task of completely restructuring his top six forwards.

The top power play unit will need an immediate, massive overhaul before their next puck drop. You simply cannot replace that level of elite goal-scoring ability from within the current roster.

Moving a winger to the middle or elevating a bottom-six center are both flawed options. Someone else has to step into those heavy minutes, but replicating the transition game and offensive output is impossible.

Knies did not hold back when speaking to the media following the morning skate.

The young winger accurately voiced what every single player in that room is currently thinking. A minor suspension for the offending player does not equal the permanent loss of a franchise centerpiece.

He admitted the final disciplinary ruling is out of his control, but the severe disappointment was palpable.

The blue line will also feel the pressure, knowing the forwards have less margin for error. The penalty kill might hold up, but generating consistent offense at five-on-five just became exponentially harder.

The team must now attempt to rally together on this upcoming homestand and find a new identity. Still, the bitter taste left by the league's highly controversial decision will linger for months.

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Auston Matthews' agent calls for the end of NHL player safety after 'reckless and ridiculous' Gudas suspension