Emily Ruttledge, longtime girlfriend of NHL superstar Auston Matthews, has just announced an urgent and heartbreaking update that has shocked fans around the world.

According to her emotional statement posted on social media just 20 minutes ago, Matthews experienced a sudden seizure at their private residence in Los Angeles early this morning. Paramedics were called immediately to the scene, and Matthews was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where doctors are currently evaluating his condition.

Initial medical reports have now confirmed that the 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs forward is suffering from a severe mitral valve disorder—a form of heart valve failure that specialists believe may have been building silently over the course of a grueling and emotionally taxing NHL season.

A Sudden Collapse, A Team in Shock

According to Ruttledge, the terrifying event occurred just before 9 a.m. as Matthews was preparing to head to an off-season training session.

“He had just gotten out of the shower and was drying his hair,” she shared in a tearful Instagram video. “I heard a loud thud in the bathroom. When I rushed in, he was on the floor convulsing. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

Emergency medical services arrived within five minutes, and Matthews was stabilized on-site before being transported to the hospital. A team of cardiologists quickly conducted scans and echocardiograms, revealing that Matthews was suffering from advanced mitral valve regurgitation—a condition in which the heart’s mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart, causing strain and long-term damage.

Dr. Simone Vargas, a cardiac specialist at Cedars-Sinai, confirmed the severity of the diagnosis.

“Auston’s condition is very serious. The valve failure appears to be the result of long-term cardiovascular stress, which could be connected to extreme physical exertion, emotional pressure, or even genetic predisposition. What’s critical now is that he receives proper treatment, potentially including surgery, and allows his body to rest.”

A Career in Jeopardy?

While Matthews is currently in stable condition, the long-term outlook for his hockey career remains uncertain.

“Based on the initial scans and heart rhythm instability, we cannot yet determine whether he’ll be cleared to return to high-intensity athletic activity,” said Dr. Vargas. “A full recovery is possible, but it may take time—and a return to professional hockey in the near future cannot be guaranteed.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs issued a brief but emotional statement in response to the news:

“We are aware of Auston’s medical emergency and are in constant communication with his family and medical team. Auston is not just an elite player—he is a cherished member of our organization and a beloved teammate. We are sending all our love and support to him and Emily during this difficult time.”

An Emotional Toll After a Devastating Season

The incident comes just weeks after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in a heartbreaking first-round playoff loss—a result that reportedly weighed heavily on Matthews, who had been the team’s leading scorer and emotional backbone.

According to close sources, the pressure of carrying the franchise and dealing with public criticism may have taken a toll on Matthews’ mental and physical health.

“Auston felt the weight of the world on his shoulders,” said an anonymous team official. “He gave everything he had to the team. The loss hit him harder than most people realized.”

Emily’s post hinted at this emotional burden as well.

“He never let anyone see how much it affected him,” she wrote. “He kept pushing, kept smiling. But I saw it. He was exhausted, physically and emotionally. I just wish he had listened to his body sooner.”

The Hockey World Responds

As news spread, fans and players around the league rushed to social media to express shock, sorrow, and support for Matthews and his loved ones.

“Auston is one of the best players and people I’ve ever met,” wrote fellow NHL star Connor McDavid. “This is devastating. All of us are behind you, brother.”

Leafs fans gathered outside Scotiabank Arena within hours of the news, many wearing Matthews’ #34 jersey, holding candles and signs reading “Pray for Auston” and “Forever Our Captain.”

The NHL released an official statement saying:

“Our thoughts are with Auston Matthews and his family at this time. He is not only a phenomenal athlete but a leader in the sport and community. We stand with him and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.”

Emily Ruttledge’s Strength and Message

Throughout this unfolding crisis, Emily Ruttledge has remained a pillar of strength. Her message ended on a note of love and hope.

“Auston is the strongest man I know. He’s already fighting. He smiled at me through his oxygen mask and said, ‘Tell the fans I’m not done yet.’ Please keep him in your prayers. We need all the love we can get.”

The couple, who have been together since 2023, have often shared glimpses of their private lives through social media. Their bond has been praised by fans as grounded and loving amid the chaos of celebrity life.

What Comes Next?

Matthews’ medical team will continue to monitor his heart function over the next 48 hours, after which decisions will be made regarding surgery and long-term care. Recovery could span months or more, and whether he will ever return to the ice remains an open question.

But for now, the focus is on healing, love, and hope—and the outpouring of global support proves that Auston Matthews is not alone in this fight.