Auston Matthews Trade Buzz Intensifies As Utah Emerges As Serious Threat
As the Maple Leafs face a pivotal offseason, speculation is growing that Auston Matthews could consider a move—potentially to a surging Utah franchise.
Speculation surrounding Auston Matthews has taken on a new layer following the Toronto Maple Leafs missing the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the possibility of a move this offseason—potentially to the Utah Mammoth—beginning to surface. The organization now faces a pivotal summer, one that could ultimately determine whether its franchise cornerstone remains committed or starts to weigh other opportunities. According to Darren Dreger of Sportsnet, Utah is a team to watch closely.
Speaking on Barn Burner , Dreger noted the Mammoth could emerge as a legitimate contender if Matthews’ situation in Toronto becomes uncertain. The San Jose Sharks were also identified as a plausible fit, though not currently viewed as a frontrunner. Utah’s Rise And Matthews’ Roots Create A Compelling Fit Utah’s trajectory since relocating from Arizona has been steadily trending upward.
The club has demonstrated a clear willingness to invest in its roster, most notably acquiring MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames at the trade deadline. With a likely Wild Card berth in the Western Conference, the Mammoth appear well-positioned to remain competitive while aggressively pursuing top-tier talent. There are also meaningful personal ties that could make Utah an especially compelling destination for Matthews.
Although born in California, he moved to Arizona at just two months old and was raised in Scottsdale, where he developed his game. As a child, he regularly attended Arizona Coyotes games and looked up to players like Shane Doan and Daniel Briere. He also spent time in the Arizona Bobcats minor hockey program, further strengthening his ties to the region.