Utah Bolsters Blue Line by Acquiring Olli Maatta in Exchange for 2025 Third-Round Pick
On Tuesday night, the Detroit Red Wings dealt experienced defenseman Olli Maatta to the Utah Hockey Club, as the NHL’s latest team works to handle major injuries on defense.
Utah traded a 2025 third-round draft pick, which they had obtained from the New York Rangers, to Detroit in exchange for Maatta, who has a $3 million salary cap hit and will become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Maatta, aged 30, appeared in seven matches with the Red Wings this year, with an average ice time of 15:52 while on Detroit’s third defensive couple. While he hasn’t scored this season, Maatta recorded four goals and 14 assists in 72 games while playing for Detroit in 2023-24.
He is currently in his 12th NHL season, where he has competed in 691 games throughout his career for Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, earning two Stanley Cups with the latter. Ian Cole, a current defenseman for Utah, was on the same Pittsburgh teams as him.
Following a quick beginning in its first season in Salt Lake City, Utah has a record of 1-4-2 in its last seven games. This trade in the beginning of the season could potentially make a significant impact on the struggling team and fulfill a crucial need for Utah.
Last week, Utah defenseman Sean Durzi had surgery on his right shoulder and is projected to be sidelined for four to six months. During the 2023-24 season, he was the top scorer for defensemen on the Arizona Coyotes, who relocated to Utah following the previous season.
Utah suffered another loss with defenseman John Marino, who was obtained from New Jersey in June. Marino had not yet participated in a match for Utah this season as a result of being injured. The team announced that he underwent surgery on his lower back last week and is expected to be sidelined for three to four months.
Maatta provides Utah with an experienced choice for its defense group, as Detroit reduces payroll and gains a valuable draft pick in return.
Image Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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