Utah's MacKenzie Weegar reacts to American players seeking trades out of Canada: 'It’s a bit unfortunate'

SALT LAKE CITY — A growing number of American-born NHL stars are expressing a clear preference for playing south of the border, and the trend is reshaping how hockey fans in Canada view their beloved franchises.

Utah Mammoth defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, an Ottawa native who has suited up for teams in both countries, recently shared his perspective on the phenomenon during an appearance on TSN's OverDrive program. His take offers a window into a complex issue that goes beyond simple player movement.

The most recent high-profile example came over the summer when Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk requested a trade, ultimately landing with the Florida Panthers. Earlier, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck publicly acknowledged he had asked to be dealt. Last season, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes made a similar request, resulting in his move to the Minnesota Wild.

All three players were key contributors to Team USA's gold medal victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Weegar, who played for the Panthers and Calgary Flames before joining the Mammoth, said he personally cherished his time in Canadian markets but expressed understanding for why some players seek exits.

"It's a bit unfortunate to see players wanting out of Canada just because I know how passionate the fans are and all the citizens in each city and how much they love their hockey and their star players," Weegar said.

However, he acknowledged the considerable appeal of American destinations.

"You don't like to see it, but at the same time, there's a lot of teams out here like Utah that has a little bit more to offer than, say, in Canada," Weegar continued. "But at the end of the day, we're all hockey players; it doesn't matter where you play, you just want to play in the NHL. It's the best league in the world."

The factors driving this migration are multifaceted. US teams often present competitive advantages, including favorable tax situations in states without income taxes, more temperate climates, and less intense media scrutiny than Canadian markets typically provide. For players focused on building families or pursuing championship aspirations, these considerations carry significant weight.

While Canadian franchises have long been known for passionate fanbases and rich hockey traditions, the economic and lifestyle calculus appears to be influencing decision-making among American players more than ever before. Whether this trend represents a lasting shift or a temporary phenomenon remains to be seen, but it underscores the evolving dynamics of professional hockey in the modern era.