‘Sneaky Dark Horse’ Team Linked to Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been showing all sorts of 'fight' since standing idly by, watching their captain, Auston Matthews, get cut down by The Butcher Radko Gudas earlier this month. It's a case of too little, too late. Nevertheless, it's a somewhat invigorated finish to what has been a depressing season for Leafs fans.

But what will come of that Matthews situation? Will he want to stick around for the final two years of his contract, or find greener pastures with less drama?

Former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz joined the Leafs Morning Take crew on Friday to suggest the Utah Mammoth as a "sneaky dark horse" team we should keep an eye on in any potential Matthews move.

Look, I got no real information or nor do I care to sniff around on that front but If Auston Matthews goes anywhere watch out for Utah. That would be my sneaky dark horse #TusksUp
I’d rather play there vs Diddywood

-People’s
— Jordan Schmaltz (@J_Swish24) March 26, 2026

While admitting that he hasn't asked either Matthews himself or anyone in Utah about this, Schmaltz just has a hunch that the Mammoth could be a match.

"I just think they have the pieces to do that type of deal. I think they have the prospects, I think they have the young players, pieces that Toronto would be looking for if they were to make a deal like that.

"On the other side, I think Utah is a great spot. I think they have an unbelievable owner. I think, like-minded people, in terms of Ryan Smith and Auston Matthews... I do think that would be a really good fit... IF Auston Matthews were to ask to leave Toronto."

The Mammoth were also one of the most serious teams in making a bid on trading for Matthew Knies before the trade deadline, and are also seen as one of the prime contenders in the Robert Thomas sweepstakes this summer.

Matthews suffered a season-ending torn MCL when he was hit by Gudas, and the former 69-goal scorer finished the season with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games.