Sheets' 3-run homer in 9th lifts Padres over Brewers 3-1 after another Misiorowski scoreless outing
Gavin Sheets' 3-run homer in the 9th leads Padres past Brewers 3-1.
Auston Matthews' future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is uncertain as new management seeks to understand his intentions. If he wants out, the Utah Mammoth are positioned as the leading candidate for a potential trade.
Mentioned in this story
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafsā new braintrust of John Chayka and Mats Sundin have yet to have their mano-a-mano chat with captain Auston Matthews. But when they do, they hope to find out what his intentions are. Does he wish to remain in Toronto for the two years left on his contract? Or does he want out, after the tire fire of a season that the club just had?
If Matthews does want out, heāll likely indicate his prefered destinations. Or at least heāll be asked to. But if the Leafs had their druthers in order to get the best return, insider Jeff Marek has proposed on the DFO Rundown that the Utah Mammoth would be āfront of the lineā to make a deal.
If Toronto has to make a decision on Auston Matthews, we all wonder about Los Angeles. But they donāt have the assets. You know who does? Utah. Utah is uniquely positioned. If that does happen (Matthews asking out), you can probably move Utah to close to, if not THE front of the line.
If youāre gonna be a team (like the Leafs) that wants to rebuild, and rebuild quickly? Utah has some prime candidates and some outstanding young players that they can move.
Marekās compatriot, host of the DFO Rundown, Jason Gregor, added that the Mammoth would like to add some size with skill to their mix up front. He didnāt mention Matthews, but the 6ā3ā³, 215-pounder is just that. His two-way game would be a tremedous headliner for the top of their burgeoning lineup.
Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos is another who sees the obvious link between the former Phoenix-based team (Matthewsā home) and the Leafsā $13.25 million man.
āSpeculation in my inner circle has the Utah Mammoth watching this situation, as they have a few of Matthewsā close friends on their roster, including Clayton Keller.ā
If Auston Matthews decides to leave, he will likely indicate his preferred destinations, with the Utah Mammoth being a top candidate for a trade.
The Utah Mammoth are seen as a strong option due to their assets and desire to add skilled players, making them uniquely positioned for a potential trade.
The new decision-makers for the Toronto Maple Leafs are John Chayka and Mats Sundin, who are tasked with discussing Auston Matthews' future.
Gavin Sheets' 3-run homer in the 9th leads Padres past Brewers 3-1.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
Matthews and Keller played together back in 2014-15 with the USHL U-18 team. The Leafs captain grew up in Scottsdale and went to Arizona Coyotes games as a youngster. Yotes legend Shane Doan was one of Matthewsā heroes growing up. Connecting back with that organization, even if it is in a new locale, would likely be enticing for him.
The Mammoth appear to be a team on the rise as well, with several exciting young players. They made a big leap forward this season, taking Utah to the playoffs for the first time with a Wild Card berth.
The Leafs made a big move today in advance of any talks with Matthews, firing head coach Craig Berube. Weāll see how that plays in to the captainās thoughts moving forward.