Auston Matthews is at the center of trade talks once again, and while it's not entirely unexpected-considering the decisions looming for him this offseason-the buzz is building earlier than usual.
Matthews hasn't publicly committed to his future yet, and as the silence stretches on, speculation about his potential departure from the Maple Leafs grows louder. This week, the rumor mill has been in full swing.
Several teams have been mentioned as potential destinations for the star center, including Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. However, an intriguing dark horse in the mix is the Utah Mammoth, according to Jordan Schmaltz, brother of NHL player Nick Schmaltz.
Schmaltz shared his thoughts, highlighting Utah's potential:
“I haven’t directly asked Auston Matthews or anyone in Utah about this, but I believe they have the pieces needed for such a deal. They possess the prospects and young players that Toronto might find appealing.
Utah also offers a great environment with an impressive owner. The synergy between Ryan Smith and Matthews could be a good match.
While I'm not saying it will happen, Utah seems like a strong fit with the assets and young talent to make it possible, should Matthews decide to leave Toronto. However, I don't think Matthews is ready to make that move yet.
He likely wants to see what happens this offseason, but Utah is definitely a team to watch.”
Matthews, now 28, is entering the third year of his four-year, $53 million extension with the Maple Leafs, and he's eligible for another extension on July 1, 2027. He wrapped up the 2025-26 season with 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) over 60 games.
Schmaltz's insights are compelling, and the Mammoth indeed present an interesting option if Matthews seeks a change. With ample cap space, valuable assets, and a promising young roster-including his good friend and American teammate Clayton Keller-Utah could be a logical destination. This potential move would also make sense for Toronto if they find themselves needing to part ways with their captain.
The key question remains: will GM Bill Armstrong and his team get the chance to lure Matthews away from the Maple Leafs?