Guerin spoke on TSN’s First Up<\/a> and did much more than praise Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and was it felt like he was buttering up the superstar for a potential move to the Northwest:I’ve gotten to know Auston over the last couple of years and I think the world of him. I think he’s one of the best two-way guys in the game. I think that his defensive game, his two-way game, is completely underrated.<\/p>\nHe’s a hell of a player. I know he deals with a lot there in Toronto, but I think the world of him. – Guerin, TSN First Up (03\/12\/26)<\/p>\n
While there’s no denying that Matthews is an elite player, it’s that last comment that’s really stirring the pot.<\/p>\n
The Quinn Hughes Heist: How Minnesota is using Team USA culture to lure Matthews away<\/p>\n
Of course you think the world of him Bill, he won you a gold medal. Tell us the real plan.<\/p>\n
It makes sense why Guerin would target Matthews considering he’s built up quite the American contingent to compliment the Team USA captain:<\/p>\n
– Matt Boldy
– Bobby Brink
– Brock Faber
– Quinn Hughes
– Nick Foligno
– Marcus Foligno
– Ryan Hartman
– Michael McCarron
– Jeff Petry<\/p>\n
While guys like Nick Foligno and Petry are likely going to be headed out of town come next season, that leaves a total of seven Americans on the roster, with rookies like Gerald Mayhew and Dylan Gambrell.<\/p>\n
I was talking to an executive in the league. He’s listening to Bill Guerin do interviews about how great Auston Matthews is, and he’s like, ‘Minnesota. Why don’t you just put up a neon sign outside your building that says, come here, Auston?<\/p>\n
Quinn [Hughes] is waiting for you.’ Every time Guerin does an interview in Toronto, it’s like, the pitch is on. – Friedman, 32 Thoughts (03\/13\/26)<\/p>\n
Minnesota already stole Quinn Hughes from Vancouver, and now they’re gearing up to steal Matthews – it’s just too bad they won’t see him on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Plus, Matthews’ deal is up in 2028, and Minnesota only really needs to worry about Hughes. But with a lot of money off the books and the potential to sign a lot of bodies back for cheap, they can get it done.<\/p>\n
Tampering in Plain Sight: Why Bill Guerin is getting away with his Toronto media tour<\/p>\n
Well, the Toronto media can’t outright call it tampering, so Guerin is able to slide in with his comments but the fans can see right through the facade.<\/p>\n
While it’s not exactly as direct as the Chicago Blackhawks were when it came to luring Tyler Bertuzzi over, it’s getting to the point where the NHL needs to step in and warn Guerin he’s crossing a line.<\/p>\n
If the league is going to turn a blind eye to one of their star players getting intentionally targeted and not enact full punishment, then if a GM mentions he wants a player – to them who cares?<\/p>\n
If this were in inverse, and Brad Treliving was talking up a player like Hughes, who could very well come to Toronto as a free agent, he would be seen as someone meddling in business he shouldn’t and the league would likely keep a close eye.<\/p>\n
So Guerin’s ability to go around and gush about Auston Matthews is pretty on point with the rest of the NHL. If you’re not the Maple Leafs, you’re allowed to do whatever you want.<\/p>\n
Previously on Hockey Patrol<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
MARS 14|427 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Bill Guerin’s blatant pursuit of Auston Matthews is the ultimate tampering test for the NHL<\/p>\n
Do you think Bill Guerin is tampering with Auston Matthews?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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![\"Minnesota](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/650923.webp.webp\" "\\"Minnesota")
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