He Was Not Their Quarterback
By: SHL Reporting and Media Studios Incorporated

MattyJ has been traded from the Edmonton Blizzard to the Chicago Syndicate for a pair of 1st round picks. The Simulation Hockey League has confirmed and sent the trade through. After the season, the stas will never know MattyJ was ever a member of the Edmonton Blizzard.

MattyJ has been traded twice already in his short 5 year career. Once in the Juniors from Newfoundland to the Whalers, and now the newest trade. Will someone keep this player on their roster? I guess time will tell. We dug a little deeper into the reasons for trading a young up and coming star, and well, we came up a little short. Perhaps it is because he does not have the biggest bank. Perhaps it was because he modeled his player off of Baker Mayfield in a simulation hockey league. We are not 100% sure.

We reached out for an interview with the Edmonton general manager, @HabsFanFromOntario. He declined but did state, it was a cap issue. He also murmured under his breath, “Lamar is not a running back.” We are not sure the meaning of that comment but will post later if we can get to the reasoning. We do assume he is talking about the Baltimore Ravens player, who is clearly a running back. However, we do not know if that is the meaning behind his cryptic message. Now, we were able to get an exclusive 1on1 meeting with MattyJ, the man in the trade. He gave us everything we wanted and much more. Here is our in-depth interview with the newest Chicago Syndicate star:

MattyJ sat down with us in the locker room post-practice, fresh off the news of his trade to Chicago. Despite the rollercoaster that has defined his career so far, he seemed calm, even amused, almost like a player who knew how wild the ride would get before he joined this league.

How do you feel about the trade to the Chicago Syndicate?

MattyJ: "Well, trades are part of the game. I’ve seen teammates and rivals go through it, so I guess it was just my turn again. I’ll miss the guys in Edmonton, no doubt. But I know Chicago’s a solid team, and honestly, if they gave up two first-rounders for me, they must see something they want to build around. Feels good to know someone actually wants you on their roster."

You’ve been traded twice now, once in Juniors and now again. Do you think it’s just part of your journey, or are you hoping Chicago is where you can really set down roots?

MattyJ: "Great question. Maybe it's just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but hey, if my career path includes a few relocations, so be it. I’d love for Chicago to be home for a long time. I want to build something with the Syndicate, but ultimately, it’s a business. Teams have to make the best choice for their future, and I have to focus on being the best for whatever team that I am skating with."

Some say the trade might have been due to financial reasons or even your choice to model your player after Baker Mayfield. Do you think there’s any truth to that?

*MattyJ*: "Ha! Yeah, I heard that one. Look, Baker Mayfield’s career has had its ups and downs, and maybe I have a little of that fighter mentality in myself. But to say I’m traded because of my player comp? That’s just locker room talk. As for finances, maybe there’s a grain of truth to that. I’ll just say, I’m not here to be the richest guy in the league, I’m here to win championships. Maybe Edmonton didn’t see that"

The Edmonton GM cited ‘cap issues’ and made a cryptic comment about Lamar not being a running back. Any idea what that means?

MattyJ: "Oh man, if I had a dollar for every cryptic comment I’ve heard from management. Look, I think he’s just trying to create a metaphor that sometimes players are put in a box they don’t fit. Just like playing Lamar at quarterback is a bad fit. Maybe Edmonton was not the box for me. That’s just an interesting perspective from him.”

What are you looking forward to most about joining the Syndicate?

MattyJ: "I’ve played against those guys, and they’re tough. I’m excited to be on the other side now, pushing for wins instead of defending against them. New challenges, new teammates, new city. It’s an opportunity to redefine my game and hopefully make a mark in Chicago. Both these teams are ones in rebuilds, so I am ready for it and excited to turn things around."

And the fans in Edmonton? Any last words for them?

MattyJ: "Just…thank you. They embraced me, they chanted my name, and even when the trade rumors started, they had my back. The fans are the heart of this game, and it’s tough to leave them. But, in the end, I was only there for a handful of games. They will forget about me as fast as they got to know me"

And any message to the fans in Chicago?

MattyJ: "Get ready, Syndicate. I’m bringing everything I’ve got. Let’s make something special happen."

Lastly, MattyJ, before we let you go, is part of your heart still in Edmonton or have you turned that page?

MattyJ: “It’s a good question and I appreciate you asking. I have seen rumors online about this exact topic. All I have to say is absolutely not. They are dead to me. They brought me in and got rid of me as fast as they could. I just bought a house on my rookie deal, and it is already on the market. I am going to make this the biggest mistake in that poverty franchise’s life."

With that, MattyJ grabbed his bags and headed out of the locker room. He added on the way out that he wanted to thank @Nike for bringing him in. MattyJ is about as gracious as they come. It is always a joy to talk to him and hear his perspective. He showed his fire and passion at the end which was a fantastic ending to our interview.

For MattyJ, the move to Chicago is more than just a change of scenery, it’s a chance to rewrite his story and show the league what they may have underestimated. It’s a story of resilience, and maybe even a tiny bit of revenge, as he sets out to prove his worth in the SHL. In the end, MattyJ isn’t just playing hockey. He’s playing for his pride, his career, and all the fans who believe in him. As for Edmonton? They may have lost more than just a player. They may have ignited a spark that will burn brightly in their rearview mirror for seasons to come. Only time will tell.

Good luck in Chicago MattyJ and thank you for taking the time to speak to us!

Copyright: SHL Reporting and Media Studios Incorporated


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