Weegar says Ottawa was never part of Flames trade talks, and he's happy in Utah
Mammoth defenceman MacKenzie Weegar, a Barrhaven native, says Calgary never raised Ottawa as a destination, and his $6.25 million U.S. deal runs through 2030-31.
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MacKenzie Weegar says he has always thought about Ottawa, but no trade talks with Calgary ever reached him about it. The Barrhaven native, who now plays top-four minutes for the Utah Mammoth, said he is happy where he is.
"I always give thought to Ottawa... It's obviously home, but there wasn't any trade talks that came in front of me with (Conroy) about that, so I didn't have any options really with that," Weegar told reporters after the Mammoth's morning skate Saturday. "But I'm here now. I'm happy where I'm at."
Senators president of hockey operations and GM Steve Staios held several talks with Calgary GM Craig Conroy, but the sides could not find a fit. Calgary never raised Ottawa as a destination in discussions about Weegar.
Weegar was traded from Calgary to Utah on March 4, 2026, in exchange for Olli Maatta, prospect Jonathan Castagna and three 2026 second-round picks, one of which was Ottawa's own. Maatta's no-trade list included Calgary, so both players had to waive to complete the move. Weegar waived his full no-move clause to accept the trade. "It's been great. It's been an easy change, honestly," he said. "I feel a lot more like myself and having a lot more fun this year."
He has four points, two goals and two assists, in 17 games this season, and averages 22:14 of ice time, second on the Mammoth. His contract pays $6.25 million U.S. a season through 2030-31.
Utah meets Ottawa on Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre, and Weegar's family hosted him for dinner in Barrhaven the night before. The Mammoth flew back to Salt Lake City late Saturday night.
